One of Israel’s greatest honors is the coveted invitation to light a torch at the annual ceremony at Mt. Herzl on Yom Ha’atzma’ut. Each year, twelve torches are lit by notable Israelis who have made significant contributions to society.

This year, Shlomi Shabbat was selected. It’s been a difficult year for the singer, having been hospitalized in serious condition with Coronavirus earlier this year.

Shlomi took the stage, beaming with pride.

“I, Shlomi the son of Avraham and Nechama Emily Shabbat z”l,” Shlomi began, “light this torch in honor of my parents who made Aliyah from Turkey, and all the olim from the Diaspora. From all the melodies that they brought with them, we create our wonderful music. In honor of my close and extended family, the family of Israeli music and production, on the stage and behind the scenes. We made it through this difficult year together. We worried about each other, we strengthened each other.

“I promise you: I, you, and God who is with us. We will win. Not because of the strength, but because of the spirit blowing within us,” Shlomi continued, singing a few lines of his biggest hit, “Rak Biglal HaRu’ach”. “Only because of the spirit, within me, in my blood, in my soul,” he sang, before shouting: “And for the glory of the State of Israel!”

Mazal tov to Shlomi Shabbat on this wonderful honor!