Israel celebrated its 75th Independence Day in a tumultuous atmosphere, as the hardline government’s controversial policies exposed societal fractures. A national ceremony was held in Jerusalem, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for unity. Protesters rallied outside the main event, and opponents of the coalition held a dueling demonstration in Tel Aviv.

The main event of the state was held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem. Government officials, security leaders, and other prominent Israelis were present for the ceremonial lighting of the torch to honor citizens for their sacrifices and contributions.

The celebration included speeches, marches choreographed by soldiers, music performances, and fireworks. It went off without any hitches, despite fears that politics would mar the national holiday.

The Transportation Minister Miri Regev who was in charge of the ceremony decided to switch to a recorded rehearsal if anti-government protesters disrupted the event. Later, she clarified that the recording was only aired if there were “extreme malfunctions.”

In a message prerecorded and broadcast during the ceremony, Netanyahu called on unity in the face of widespread divisions, protests, and criticisms of his government’s policies, including its efforts to reform the judiciary. The opponents of the legislation claim that it will give Israel’s democracy a bad name and undermine individual rights. Supporters of the plan say that it will curb an overly active court system. These initiatives have been the cause of massive protests across the country for more than four months.

Stop the noise and take a look at this great wonder called Israel. Netanyahu, who spoke over a montage highlighting Israel’s achievements in the past 75 years, asked: “How many miracles have you achieved as a people in these last 75?

He said that “as one people,” we rose from the ashes and rebirth of the Holocaust.

He continued: “As a single people, Israel has won wars, welcomed millions of immigrants, created a thriving economic system, reached historic peace agreements and developed cities and infrastructure in the nation. It also built the IDF with the best male and female troops from around the world, who protect us all.”

He said, “There are still many miracles to come — we will achieve security, strengthen our economy, and expand the circle of peace.” “These miracles, and many others, are only possible if we march together. “

Netanyahu recalled that the tribes of Israel in the Bible argued about “whether to turn left or right”, and spent 40 years wandering through the wilderness before reaching the Promised Land. We realized that we could only achieve our goals if we worked together.

He joked, “And be sure that we invented Waze.”

He said, “To do it with each other is to weep together on Memorial Day and rejoice together on Independence Day.” “To do it with one another is to realize that we are one nation and one people, and there will never be another land,” he said.

Netanyahu, his wife Sara, and Regev were all in attendance at the Mount Herzl Ceremony.

Yair Lapid, the leader of the opposition, boycotted this ceremony citing deep societal divides over now-paused judicial Reforms and plans to cut off the live broadcast if there were protests.

As the torchbearers addressed their audience, they reminded them of the country’s tense politics and social schisms.

Avigdor Kalani, the former IDF General, said that he lit the torch of “my country that I love so deeply, Jewish and democratic that I was born in your light.”

Dr. Khetam Hassein, a Druze infectious disease expert and Dr. Avi Rivkind, both general surgeons in Jerusalem who are pioneers in shock trauma and trauma surgery, shared the podium with Dr. Khetam. Some people view Israel’s hospitals as a place of coexistence where Arabs and Jews treat sick and injured patients together.

Rivkind and Hussein both told The Times of Israel, ahead of the ceremony, that they couldn’t ignore the fact they were celebrating this honor in a time of division and high tensions. They both emphasized the importance of medicine in uniting people.

Hussein said that she lit the torch in honor of “our friends – the women and men who work in the health field, our friends from all the communities of society, with all their origins, and opinions, and those who dedicate themselves to patients every day with humanity and morality.”

Sylvan Adam, a Canadian-Israeli billionaire philanthropist lit the torch in his role as a representative of Diaspora Jewish communities.

In his speech, he emphasized “the people that tell the world the real story, the unbelievable tale, of Israel.” “A happy country with tolerant, multi-cultural, good people who I love.”

Adams stated, “Even though we may disagree, we are united.”

Adams, who switched from Hebrew to English to say, “I chose this homeland for the Jewish people. It is the homeland that belongs both to Israelis and Diaspora Jewish. We are one people.”

The Yizkor prayer was recited by Rabbi Leo Dee who, earlier this month, lost his wife, two daughters and a son in a terrorist attack.

Israel’s Independence Day starts as Memorial Day ends. It can be shocking to see the sudden shift from national mourning to celebration. But many view it as a way of celebrating Israel and its achievements, while also remembering those who made them possible.

Anti-government protesters staged competing events in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv as the main Independence Day celebration took place.

In Jerusalem, hundreds of demonstrators attended an event entitled “Fighting for Democracy, Freeing Mount Herzl.”

As Netanyahu’s speech was being broadcast in the venue, protesters sang Israel’s national anthem Hatikvah or “the Hope”.

In Tel Aviv thousands of people gathered in Kaplan Street to take part in a “protest” party, waving Israeli flags while dancing along to upbeat music.

There were also protests in other cities across the country.

Ministers attending ceremonies at cemeteries caused some disruptions to Memorial Day events earlier in the day.

Bereaved family members heckled and protested at several coalition lawmakers. Some had earlier asked ministers not to attend the ceremonies.

Itamar Gvir, the far-right Minister of National Security in Israel, attended a ceremony on a military graveyard in Beersheba. As the minister began his speech, shouting broke out. He was applauded by some, castigated by others, and then scuffles erupted outside the cemetery.

Ben Gvir was not drafted