BREAKING NEWS

In first, Diaspora Jew to light Israeli Independence Day torch

Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev announced this week that for the first time, a member of Diaspora Jewry will be selected for the honor of lighting a torch at the annual Independence Day ceremony held on Mt. Herzl.
Every year, Israeli movers and shakers are selected to light a beacon, in line with the annual theme. This year, the theme of the will be the 50th anniversary of the reunification of Jerusalem, and Regev decided to dedicate one of the torches to the Jewish people, naming the torch as such.
The Ministerial Committee for Ceremonies and Symbols, headed by Regev, will choose the candidate from nominations made by Diaspora Jews, who will be invited to throw their suggestions into the hat with the launch of a campaign next week.
The committee calls upon the public to propose a candidate “who personifies the concern and work being done for the future of the Jewish people, and reinforces the link between the world Jewry and Israel.”
The ministry stated that the decision is intended to “highlight the fact that Israel is the national home of the entire Jewish people and as such it is the one permanent home and safe haven of each and every Jew, wherever he or she may be.”
Nominations may be made via email to masuot@most.gov.il until an April 3 deadline.