Happy, sad Israeli holidays: Two sides of the same coin

How do Israelis celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israeli Independence Day? Like many Israeli holidays, there's a lot of singing, dancing, and eating. Family and friends gather to reminisce of both victory and statehood.

Yet, Israel Independence Day takes place right after Yom Hazikaron-the Memorial Day for fallen Israel Defense Forces soldiers. Placing the two holidays so close together is a reminder that Israeli independence has come at the very highest cost-the lives of sacrificed soldiers.

So what does this combination look like in Israel? In Beit She'an, Israel, a tombstone commemorates Captain Tzvi Kaplan, aged 28 when he died in Operation Protective Edge in 2014. (This was a military operation aimed at stopping frequent rocket fire from Gaza into Israel.)

Kaplan was known to be a particularly kind and spirited individual. Friends of his built a stream passing through a park near where he lived honoring his memory.

At the other end of the spectrum, Yom Ha'atzmaut's happy festivities ring out in Jerusalem, and everywhere in Israel. It's often the kids who truly take holiday celebrations to heart. Ice cream cones, dress up, or flag-waving anyone?