Celebrate Israel’s 77th birthday, as Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman welcome Times of Israel political correspondent Haviv Rettig Gur for a candid Yom Ha’atzmaut conversation. In this episode, recorded at the close of Yom HaZikaron and on the eve of Independence Day amidst national wildfires and an ongoing conflict, we unpack:

What it feels like to honor 59 hostages still held in Gaza while preparing to rejoice
How family rituals and neighborhood gatherings keep hope alive, even when the lights go out
Why shared sacrifice can unite a deeply divided society

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance grief and gratitude—how to celebrate under the shadow of war—this is the episode for you. Tune in for a moving, insightful journey into resilience, solidarity, and the true spirit of Yom Ha’atzmaut.

Subscribe and join our community of Wondering Jews as we ask big questions and explore Jewish life together!

And follow us on Instagram! https://www.instagram.com/wonderingjews

Feeling Hopeful This Yom Haatzmaut with Haviv Rettig Gur