The concept of 'independence' takes on a different, deeper and more complex specific gravity this year. The 78th Independence Day of the State of Israel finds us with our hearts still on the battlefields and the soul seeking an anchor in the familiar local space.
Precisely now, when the smell of war is still in the air, the choice of what fills our glasses becomes a statement: We choose life, we choose creation, and we choose Israeli locality. This year, we will raise a glass of solidarity with the people who turn 'local produce' into a symbol of hope.
The Israeli wine and alcohol industry, stretching from the confrontation line in the north to the sands of the Negev in the south, is perhaps the most accurate mirror of our national resilience.
These are wines harvested under fire, in the solitude of vineyards evacuated of their residents, and in distilleries and breweries that have become a refuge of sanity within the storm.
Every bottle opened this year will not only be a matter of aroma or taste, but a testimony to the inconceivable ability of the Israeli farmer and creator to continue to grow fruit even when the ground trembles. Of wineries that stood firm on the front line and distilleries that bottled the essence of local botany.
Not just wine
This year's Israeli celebration does not stop at the rows of vines, but spreads to the distillation boilers and fermentation tanks of the breweries, which tell a story of local determination.
It is impossible to speak about resilience without mentioning Julius Distillery from Hanita. Yuval (Job) Haragil continues to create wonderful fruit distillates identified with the Western Galilee, even as the sounds of war have become a constant soundtrack of the region.
On the other hand, in the beating heart of Tel Aviv, Milk & Honey (M&H) Distillery proves that Israeli whiskey has long since conquered the world, bringing with it the warmth and rhythm of the city that never stops into the barrels.
Joining them are Israeli boutique breweries, such as Alexander or Malka, which have become an integral part of our social landscape and offer a light and refreshing alternative for the holiday noon hours.
Good news from the south
The most prominent symbol of renewal may be found in the south of the country. Wineries and distilleries from the Gaza envelope region, the Eshkol region and the Negev, such as Ramat Negev Winery that relies on desert agriculture, Carmey Avdat Winery or Pinto Winery.
Local alcohol initiatives that grew from the sands remind us that in the place where they tried to harm, we will continue to plant, brew and distill, such as Pauker Winery from Kibbutz Nir Oz or Isis Brewery from Kibbutz Dekel in the Gaza envelope.
The choice to combine this year between fine wine, cold boutique beer and a quality local distillate is the best way to express gratitude to the people behind the bottle, those who keep the Israeli flame burning, and to support local creation.
Israel is experiencing a flourishing of excellent local wines, from the north through the Judean Hills and the lowlands to the Negev and the Arava. Alongside them is a flourishing of whiskey production, local gin and fruit distillates based on local botany that celebrates the flavors of the land.
So whether you have a barbecue this year or not, you can always celebrate with local Chenin Blanc or Viognier with the seasoned salads and hummus, Syrah or Carignan wines that will pair perfectly with grilled meat, craft beers that will accompany the warm daytime hours and a glass of local gin or whiskey.