The theme of the Mount Herzl ceremony was “Different but Equal.” The individuals chosen to light 12 torches — one for each of the 12 tribes — reflected this idea in their activities and deeds.
They included two Israeli girls, a Jew and an Arab, who participate in a coexistence program for youth in northern Israel. They jointly lit the final beacon.
Other torch-lighters included a Druze military officer, an immigrant from Russia who will represent Israel in gymnastics at the upcoming Sydney Olympics and the founder of a center for troubled youth.
Independence Day celebrations were to continue Wednesday, when families flock to public parks and picnic areas for traditional holiday cookouts.
Earlier Tuesday, memorial ceremonies were held at military cemeteries throughout Israel to honor the memories of the 19,109 men and women who fell in defense of the state since the 1948 War of Independence.
The most recent soldier’s death occurred last week during a Hezbollah attack in Kiryat Shmona.
For the first time, a state ceremony was held for victims of terror acts. Memorial ceremonies also were held in Lebanon, where Israeli troops remained on alert amid tensions.