The precisely timed ceremony enjoyed a sparkling moment from the South African-born philanthropist and businessman Morris Kahn, who instead of reading from his scripted lines, decided to give off-the-cuff remarks in which he announced that he would contribute to a second attempt to land a spacecraft on the moon. Mr. Kahn was the main funder of the first attempt which crashed on the lunar surface.
The organizers eventually turned off Mr. Kahn’s microphone, but his impromptu speech was well received by the crowd, which appeared ready to hear more.
On Thursday morning, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Reuven Rivlin and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi attended a ceremony awarding medals of excellence to 120 male and female soldiers chosen by their commanders for exceptional service to the Israel Defense Forces and the State of Israel.
The president said at the ceremony, “The Israeli spirit in my eyes is that there’s nothing that’s not impossible. I was born 10 years before the establishment of the state, and already then there were difficult times. The creation of the IDF became an opportunity to create Uzi [sub-machine guns], Merkava [tanks], airplanes, industry and economy and cyber. We develop everything.”
“Already for years now, we do the impossible and overcome together all the difficulties, building a Jewish and democratic home – democratic and Jewish – in the Land of our Fathers. Today we celebrate doubly because Independence Day falls on May 9, in which we also celebrate the Victory Day over Nazi Germany.”
In praising the soldiers present, Lt. Gen. Kochavi said, “Merit involves and begins with the most basic of things – basic battle conduct, the organization of a post, constant practice and in persistence in every mission. Every one of these outstanding soldiers is a pioneer in his field, each one of you moves the camp a small step forward.”
Also on Thursday morning, the Israel Air Force launched its traditional flight to salute the State of Israel and its citizens.
The aerial salute will pass over dozens of cities and towns, as well as performing air shows over air force bases open to the general public. Israeli police helicopters and fire-fighting planes will also join the mass flyover.
This year, the festive flight will make a special detour to honor southern residents, who endured a weekend long rocket attack from Gaza-based terrorist groups.
这位出生于南非的慈善家和商人莫里斯·卡恩（Morris Kahn）决定发表即兴讲话，宣布他将为第二次尝试登月做出贡献，而不是阅读剧本中的台词，这一时间恰到好处的仪式正是这一时刻。卡恩是在月球表面坠毁的第一次尝试的主要资助者。
组织者最终关掉了卡恩的麦克风，但他的即兴演讲受到了观众的欢迎，他们似乎准备听到更多的声音。
星期四上午，以色列总理内塔尼亚胡、总统里夫林和国防军参谋长科查维中尉出席了一个颁奖仪式，为以色列国防军和以色列国提供杰出服务的120名男女军人颁发优秀勋章。
总统在仪式上说：“我眼中的以色列精神是没有什么是不可能的。我出生于建国前10年，那时已经是艰难时期。IDF的创建成为了一个创造乌兹（子机枪）、梅尔卡瓦（坦克）、飞机、工业和经济以及网络的机会。我们开发一切。”
“多年来，我们已经做了不可能的事，共同克服了所有的困难，在我们父亲的土地上建立了一个犹太和民主的家园——民主和犹太。今天我们加倍庆祝，因为5月9日是独立日，我们也庆祝战胜纳粹德国的胜利日。”
科查维少将在赞扬在场的士兵时说：“功德包括并从最基本的事情开始——基本的战斗行为、岗位的组织、不断的实践和在每一个任务中的坚持。这些杰出的士兵中的每一个都是自己领域的先锋，你们每个人都向前迈了一小步。”
同样在周四早上，以色列空军发射了它的传统航班，向以色列和它的公民致敬。
空中礼炮将经过几十个城市和城镇，并在向公众开放的空军基地进行空中表演。以色列警方的直升机和消防飞机也将加入这座立交桥。
今年，这场庆祝性的飞行将特别绕道而行，纪念那些在周末遭受加沙恐怖组织火箭袭击的南方居民。