Join Mike Hollander in this thought-provoking two-part series exploring how early Israel crafted its national identity through sacred spaces and commemorative days. We'll delve into the significance of Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem—home to the graves of Theodor Herzl and Israel’s political leaders, the Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial, and the military cemetery, which reflects the heavy price of Jewish sovereignty. We'll also examine the creation of three spring "Holydays"—Holocaust Remembrance Day, Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers, and Independence Day—designed to remember, mourn, and celebrate as pillars of the young nation's identity. Together, these elements provide key insights into contemporary Israeli society and its collective memory.