In celebration of Independence Day on the 5th of Iyar, we'd like to present some big-time digital fireworks! (photo missing)

What, haven't heard of the date? Well, it's not July 4th, but yesterday was Israel's Independence Day, and the Jewish state just put 58 candles on its birthday cake! Israel Insider provided some excellent coverage, plus a heartfelt assessment of Israel's past, present, and future.

Meanwhile, for the first time in about 2000 years, more Jews live in Israel than in any other nation. This trend, as I see it, is both welcome and troubling for the Jewish people. On the plus side, the Israeli population grows due to aliyah (Jewish immigration) and high birth rates. On the other hand, however, the Jewish population has fallen in America and other nations, as many Diaspora Jews intermarry and fail to raise Jewish children. At current rates, demographers estimate that within 25-30 years, the majority of *worldwide* Jewry will reside in Israel. This too is not unprecedented, as most Jews lived there throughout Biblical times. But it's far better to enter such a position through strength (i.e. aliyah) than even partially through weakness (Diaspora ultra-assimilation).

On a similar note, by the way, a new study of American Jews has found a highly expanding Orthodox contingency. In light of the above information, this should be quite expected, as the Orthodox virtually never intermarry and frequently have large families.

In other Israel-related news:

Hebron community leader David Wilder rightfully explains why the existence and location of his community (considered by Israel's government to be a settlement) is entirely legal.

Pundit Ilana Mercer defends Israel's security wall.

And finally, give a great big Mazel Tov to huge Israel supporter (and one of TheSolidSurfer.com's favorite fellow bloggers) MadZionist, who's wife is expecting a new little tot.