The Ten Days of Gratitude is a new Israeli tradition that weaves the ten days from Israel’s Holocaust Day to Independence Day together with a thread of gratitude. This tradition highlights that the very existence of the State of Israel cannot be taken for granted, and in light of this reality, deepens our practices of gratitude.

The Ten Days of Gratitude culminates with a powerful event on the morning of Independence Day: the reading of Israel’s Declaration of Independence in traditional liturgical tunes. This ritual gives spaces and voice to the Israeli spirit and the significance of the day.

This year is not like past years, however. Sourcing gratitude is challenging, and our experience is complex. On the one hand, how can we say thank you when we are experiencing death, bereavement, displacement, and war? On the other hand, we are full of awe for and gratitude towards so many people. For the acts of kindness and bravery. For those who protected others with their very own bodies, who acted with unparalleled courage, who cared for those in need with every resource they could. We have experienced tremendous tragedy, but we have also experienced unprecedented unity – in which for a moment, we put aside our differences to meet the magnitude of the challenge and hour.

The Ten Days of Gratitude reaffirm that the existence of the State of Israel demands gratitude because its existence is not guaranteed. This year, our awareness of this reality is heightened. It cries out in an invitation and demand to take responsibility for our country’s future.

Therefore, this year, we will observe the Ten Days of Gratitude and the custom of reading Israel’s Declaration of Independence, with even more passion and commitment than before. We will gather together – as a family, community, and organization – to reconnect with the very vision and values enumerated in the founding of our state and to renew the covenant created on May 14, 1948, when Israel’s Declaration of Independence was first signed. Our gratitude for the existence of the State of Israel specifically during this period challenges us to establish it anew.