This year's on-campus Yom Hazikaron/Yom Ha'Atzmaut program drew nearly nine hundred attendees, according to University security personnel - a number that far surpassed any previous Israel or Israel Independence Day event at Yeshiva since the days of the Rabin assassination. Between the commencement of the annual gathering at 7pm on Wednesday night, April 25th, and the event's conclusion - at almost one o'clock in the morning on April 26th - students, friends, staff, and alumni alike witnessed an extensive Yom Hazikaron tekes, or ceremony, which was immediately followed by the Tfilla Chaggit, an enhanced version of evening prayers, and dancing in celebration of fifty-three years of Jewish statehood.

Headlining this year's Yom Hazikaron portion of the event were Roshei Hayeshiva Rabbi Meir Goldwicht and Rabbi Hershel Reichman, who joined with alumnus and former member of the Israeli Defense Force Yishai Fleisher in addressing the interested crowd. An Israeli flag procession, a chanting of Hatikva, a candle lighting ceremony in remembrance of the fallen soldiers, and poetry readings relating to the soldiers set the tone for the subsequent lectures.

Just over two hours into the program, the mechitzahs were rolled into place, tehillim were recited responsively, and a poignant ma'ariv service was led by Junior Class President Lou Shapp. After the services, the Yom Ha'Atzmaut festivities kicked off with music, courtesy of Shevach Orchestras, and dancing that lasted for hours.

"This year saw an unprecedented number of Israel-related programs, and the Yom Ha'Atzmaut event was the absolute culmination of a productive year, " remarked Jason Orenstein, Israel Club President and event coordinator. "The remarkable event attendances this year can be attributed to the need each individual feels to support Israel under the current circumstances." Student council President Pinchas Shapiro concurred with Orenstien's sentiments, noting that "Jason [Orenstein] and the other organizers were able to create a meaningful and interesting program… a perfect dichotomy of Yom Ha'Zikaron and Yom Ha'Atzmaut."

Perhaps the most striking aspect of this year's success was how it managed to attract such a diverse crowd, despite the trend of years past when celebrations failed to draw the college's more "yeshivish" undergraduate element due to the customs of observing the traditional sefira mourning period that include a ban on live music and dancing. Accordingly, Orenstein took major steps in an effort to guarantee universal satisfaction at the 53rd observance of Israeli statehood. Firstly, a mass email was remitted to all ymail users informing them that the Yom Hazikaron segment in the first half of the night would be devoid of live music, thus eliminating any predicaments stemming from possible Sefirah infractions. Orenstein was also careful to personally consult with Rabbi Goldwicht, seeking halachik approval for the evening's revelry.

Furthermore, Orenstein also appealed to several rebbeim who had voiced dissent to the ceremony, asking them have their students dedicate the day's learning to the Jewish victims. He supplemented his plea by plastering the bulletin boards near the Beis Medrash with signs reminding everyone that Yom Ha'Zikaron is a day to remember those who fought for the State of Israel.

Viewing the positive results of his efforts as a sign of Yeshiva "unity," Orenstien maintained, "the way all student councils, Burns Security, Food Services, Office of Student Services, [University] Housekeeping, Facilities [Management], MIS [Department], and others all came together to help out for this night represents all of YU's students unifying for a common goal."

Not every student in attendance, however, left so pleased. YC senior Meir Katz engaged in a verbal disagreement with Rabbi Reichman following the rabbi's remarks, as Katz expressed his objection to at least a portion of Reichman's discourse. Katz declined to comment on the incident, but insiders claim that Katz disapproved of Rabbi Reichman's construal of Palestinians. However, as one RIETS student put it, "This is just another example of Katz starting up with the Rebbeim. Rabbi Reichman is not only innocent, but also need not respond to… Katz."

The program was sponsored by the Israel Clubs of Yeshiva and Stern College in conjunction with the Undergraduate Student Councils: YCSC, SCWSC, SOY, TAC, SSSBSA, IBCSC, JSSSC, SBMPSC, the Office of Student Services, Bnei Akiva, and the MACPAC club of Yeshiva.