Haaretz – Adapted

No nation mourns its dead and celebrates its accomplishments, both real and imagined, on the anniversary of its independence. And no country celebrates it the way we do by lighting our torches, with the exception of our new friend Turkmenistan.

Israel mourns its dead as if they were innocent, naive victims of a dark, secret force that exists only to destroy and hurt Israel. Israel commemorates its independence while being cognizant of the fact that it does so at the expense of the dignity, lives, and properties of another people.

On this day of our independence, Palestinians are experiencing a horrific and terrifying calamity that hasn't yet ended. In the end, Jews do not live in a state of their own or by themselves. It is impossible to observe Independence Day without discussing the Nakba. Asking why someone was slain is a necessary part of paying respect to the dead. We may and should respect the feelings of those who are in sorrow and view them as heroes. The other dead, our victims, cannot be overlooked.

This week, on the eve of Memorial Day, I went to the Jenin refugee camp cemetery. In the camp, the graves of the numerous new martyrs from the previous year are identical to those of our soldiers. One day, Israel will eventually be able to fully comprehend the situation if it has come to trust in its own justice. After then, it might observe national holidays in a distinctive manner. A day of remembering for all martyrs, memorials, and flags that honor the history and tell the tale of the people. A day of remembrance for the Palestinians at the Sheikh Mu'nis cemetery that was lost, and a day of remembrance for the Israelis at Mount Herzl.