The theme of Yom Ha’atzmaut, is giving thanks to Hashem for returning us to Eretz Yisrael, and establishing the State of Israel. It was established by the Chief Rabbinate of Israel that a full Hallel with a Bracha, should be recited on this day. The criteria for reciting this prayer of Thanksgiving has been met. Hashem has taken us from a צרה גדולה, great troubles, to גאולה וישועה, redemption and salvation. Whether it was from the ashes of the Holocaust, or the dangers we faced in the War of Independence, we went from great sorrow to great joy. The ingathering of the exiles, קיבוץ גלויות, is another valid reason for Hallel. The Jewish population in 1948 was 600,000, and today, 7.7 million. The authority and rulership over the Land of Israel, is another reason for Hallel. The vote of the nations of the world, permitting the establishment of a Jewish State, was a great miracle on itself, worthy of Thanksgiving. And we have a general obligation of Hakarat Hatov, recognizing all of the good that Hashem has given us. Yom Ha’atzmaut is a great day in Israel. It is a day of joy and gratitude and thanksgiving, for the miracle that is the State of Israel.

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