Memorial Day sorrow fades into joy as Israel ushers in 73rd Independence Day – At celebratory event in Jerusalem, Netanyahu contravenes tradition by issuing video speech; Pfizer CEO hailed as a Jewish hero, lauds ‘groundbreaking’ vaccination campaign | Timesofisrael

Israel made the abrupt annual transition from mourning to jubilation on Wednesday night, as Memorial Day drew to a close and its 73rd Independence Day began.
Somber speeches, ceremonies in cemeteries and news reports on fallen soldiers and terror victims gave way to celebration as the annual state ceremony began at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl.