Feeling hopeful this Yom Haatzmaut with Haviv Rettig Gur

Celebrate Israel’s 77th birthday, as Mijal Bitton and Noam Weissman welcome Times of Israel political correspondent Haviv Rettig Gur for a candid Yom Ha’atzmaut conversation. In this episode, recorded at the close of Yom HaZikaron and on the eve of Independence Day amidst national wildfires and an ongoing conflict, we unpack:

• What it feels like to honor 59 hostages still held in Gaza while preparing to rejoice
• How family rituals and neighborhood gatherings keep hope alive, even when the lights go out
• Why shared sacrifice can unite a deeply divided society

If you’ve ever wondered how to balance grief and gratitude—how to celebrate under the shadow of war—this is the episode for you. Tune in for a moving, insightful journey into resilience, solidarity, and the true spirit of Yom Ha’atzmaut.