With Israel exiting its national day of mourning and entering its national day of celebration, the theme of this year's Independence Day ceremony is the liberation and unification of Jerusalem, with torchbearers sharing their own stories about the capital; Singer Rita to sing 'Jerusalem of Gold,' with other special performances planned to kick off the celebrations.

The State of Israel launched its 69th Independence Day celebrations on Monday evening with a spectacular torch-lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. The theme of this year's ceremony is the liberation and unification of Jerusalem.

Torches will be lit by Israeli singer and actor Yehoram Gaon; American Rabbi Marvin Hier; co-founder and CTO of Mobileye Amnon Shashua; writer Eli Amir; soccer player Uri Malmilian; Head of the Department of General Surgery at Hadassah Medical Center Dr. Eid Ahmed; Hana Henkin, who lost her son and daughter-in-law in a terror attack; Dina Samte of the Jewish Institute for the Blind; restaurateur Eli Mizrahi; Six-Day War veteran Yaakov Hetz; Taglit-Birthright chairman Michael Steinhardt; Miri Erenthal, who founded the Zichron Menahem organization to aid children with cancer and their families; Lt. Dean Ergil of the paratroopers; and Maj. Yaros Shigut, who immigrated from Ethiopia and currently serves as head of the information department at the Education and Youth Officer's headquarters.

"Each one of the torchbearers will tell the story of Jerusalem from a personal and special perspective. All of them are lovers of Jerusalem who through their actions and spirit contribute to the building, prosperity and beauty of Jerusalem," said Culture and Sport Minister Miri Regev.

Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein delivered the first speech at the celebrations, proclaiming, in accordance with the theme, that “Jerusalem will remain the united capital of Israel forever and ever.”

In addition to the torch-lighting ceremony, IDF soldiers will put on a marching display, during which they will form elaborate shapes. It will be the first year the display will be commanded by master of ceremonies Lt. Col. (res.) Shimon Deri, replacing Col. (ret.) David Rokani, who led the marching soldiers for 34 years.

The opening ceremony will also include performances by singer Rita, who will sing "Jerusalem of Gold"; singers Rivka Zohar and Liron Lev, who will sing "Ma Avarech" ("With What Shall I Bless Him"; musician Ishay Ribo who will sing one of his own songs with the accompaniment of 17 piano players from the Mizmor School of Music and the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music; finally, composer Avner Gadassi, singer Nasreen Qadri and singer Sapir Saban will sing a medley of songs about Jerusalem alongside hundreds of dancers and singing choirs.

Also among the performers will be the dance troupe Galgal NaMa'agal, which includes dancers with physical disabilities, some of whom are disabled IDF veterans.

The ceremony, which will be hosted by journalist Tamar Ish-Shalom and Jacky Levy, will end with a spectacular fireworks display.

Across the country, Israelis will make their way to city squares where performances, booths, dancing and other activities will be waiting for them, alongside local fireworks displays put up by each city. Click here for events in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4956150,00.html

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