We have no other home

We have had a state for 67 years already, yet for some reason it is still considered a miracle. How can it be that after 67 years, we, who are a resolute and proud people, still struggle to internalize that the blue and white flag with the Star of David on it is ours?

Does this disbelief stem from our long wait for statehood? Or perhaps because of the obstacles we faced along the way? Or maybe due to the heavy price we paid (23,320 fallen soldiers and civilian victims of terrorism)? It could also be that the daily drip of the global delegitimization campaign against Israel has affected us, as has perhaps the lack of recognition of the Jewish people's right to a state of our own, which makes every day here a day of grace. There are plenty of reasons to view every Independence Day as further realization of a dream.

Nearly seven decades after independence, our state, built on the stones that tell the stories of our ancestors, still finds itself in an absurd situation in which it has to justify its existence -- as if Britain, Turkey, the Ivory Coast and Malaysia have a right to a flag, but we do not.

After 67 years of existence, it is time for our state, which has so many positives going for it, to stop fearfully looking out for an approaching tsunami and instead look in the mirror and be impressed with the crown that rests on its head.

For a person, 67 is not a young age, but a 67-year-old state is still a sort of child. So what should expectations be for us? The tough reality in which we were raised forced us to grow up quick, causing us to develop some wrinkles, which have not defaced us, but have rather enhanced our beauty.

It is time we recognize the dream and the reality, both of which are symbolized by our flag. It may be that our great-grandchildren will find it a little more natural to celebrate Independence Day. Or perhaps not. It is reasonable to think that our uniqueness is part of our tradition. But one thing is certain -- our great-grandchildren and their great-grandchildren will continue to wave the flag proudly and sing: "I have no other country, even if my land is aflame. Just a word in Hebrew pierces my veins and my soul. With a painful body, with a hungry heart, here is my home." Those who have not understood this after 67 years will probably never get it. But we, on the other hand, have already been placing a crown on our heads every Independence Day for the past 67 years.

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