Yom HaZikaron

Today we remember those who believed in the State of Israel, fought and died for it in 1948 as well as Israeli fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism since.

The Silver Platter, by Natan Alterman

The earth grows still.

The lurid sky slowly pales over smoking borders.

Heartsick but still living, a people stand by

To great the uniqueness

Of the miracle. Readied, they wait beneath the moon,

Wrapped in awesome joy before the light. - - Then soon,

A girl and boy step forward,

And slowly walk before the waiting nation;

In work clothes and heavy-shod

They climb

In stillness.

Wearing still the dress of battle, the grime

Of aching day and fired night

Unwashed, weary until death, not knowing rest,

But wearing youth like dewdrops in their hair.

- - Silently the two approach

And stand.

Are they of the quick or of the dead?

Through wondering tears, the people stare.

“Who are you, the silent two?”

And they reply: “We are the silver platter

Upon which the Jewish State was served to you.”

And speaking, fall in shadow at the nation’s feet.

Let the rest in Israel’s chronicles be told.

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