It's always a special time of year around these parts leading up to and culminating with Independence Day. This year even more so. Fifty after all is a nice round number which provides an opportunity to reflect a little more, and celebrate even more. As we roll into the Israeli spring, the days seem to go by quicker than usual for this small Asian country. Due to all the important national days which come at us in rapid succession, one needs to take a breather to gather the experiences...and for some of us, to write about it.

Yom HaShoah is the first to arrive. Stories of our slaughter and horror by the Germans and their European accomplices are told in ceremonies and memorials all throughout Israel. The Prime Minister, flanked by representatives of the nation's defense forces, participated in the March of the Living through Auschwitz. The national siren which brings everything to a halt for a minute is a sanctified moment in time. The day ends, its impact remains. Shabbat arrives and all of a sudden Israeli flags are going up everywhere - a sure sign that Yom HaAtzmaout is coming up shortly. The weekend papers already are announcing where and when events are going to be held to bring in the fifth decade, yet alongside are announcements of upcoming memorial ceremonies for Memorial Day. For those of you who don't know, Memorial Day in Israel is the day before Independence Day. Perhaps no finer tribute to those who gave the ultimate sacrifice in defense of the Nation than for us to remember their heroics one moment, and then celebrate the fruits of their actions the next. Memorial Day brings us back the losses, some so very recent, of Israel's twentieth century defenders. Two more nationwide sirens. Official ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem formally ends Memorial Day and brings on Independence Day. Fireworks galore, celebrations of all sorts, military displays (I witnessed a most impressive one at the Tel-Aviv beachfront), the illustrious Israel Prize awarded to achievements in various fields of scholarship, the Bible Quiz tested the knowledge of Jewish youth from all around the world, the appointment of a new IDF Chief of Staff - who made Aliyah as a child from Iran, and more... the tip of the iceberg.

I suppose fifty isn't all that old for a country. And there have been other modern nations who declared independence in 1948. Then why is there the sense that this place is indeed special - that Israel has the ability to change the world, ringing of redemption and miracles. Perhaps too much Robert Tilton. Then again, we don't pick up that cable channel.

Joseph Abrams made Aliyah from Dallas. He is a partner in the Tel-Aviv law firm of Abrams & Schreck, and a Legal Officer (res.) in the IDF. He awaits your comments at abandsc@ibm.net