In the run up to what will be yet another somber and emotional Memorial Day and Independence Day for Israelis, we kept our focus on positivity.

Check out our stories below that include a new list of interesting and unusual facts about this unique land in the Middle East, and a look at a busy Israeli flag factory in the lead up to the holiday.

You’ll also find a throwback to a personal story I wrote some years ago about an Israeli Jew and Arab who came together in Paris to save the life of a Frenchman on the evening of Yom Ha’atzmaut.

It’s a beautiful reminder of what life could look like here.