We rely on the fact that the sun will rise in the east and set in the west.

We rely on the fact that our car will start in the morning.

We rely on consistency of life, dependability and routine.

We are all reliant and dependent on someone or something.

It’s not a bad thing. It is part of being human. Dependence gives us the opportunity to do more and to go farther.

So what is independence and why is it so important to us?

Independence is a condition. It is not a state of mind. It is a real and tangible state of being.

It is about self governing. Being able to make decisions that are for your own well being. It is about creating and maintaining a status-quo that works for you and those you care about around you.

It’s about sovereignty. Being the one who controls your belongings, your shit. You know, what you do with it, where you put it. What you get rid of and what you keep. It’s about moving it and tweaking it and everyone around you knowing that IT’S YOUR SHIT. You are the sovereign owner and ruler of the stuff that says your name on it.

Sometimes to reach that point of independence we need to fight for it. Fight to keep it. Fight for our rights to have and hold it.

Sometimes it includes violence. Sometimes the violence is legitimized sometimes it is condemned.

We feel a need to declare our independence when it is attained. We need to document it and celebrate it and never forget what it means for us to be without it and to finally have it.

Today we celebrate our national independence. Let us not forget what it means to us to have and to hold it tight.

Israel I love you.

Let the barbecuing begin!

(Published originally in the Times of Israel April 16, 2013)