Last week, the White House held its first-ever celebration and commemoration of Yom Ha’atzmaut. On the occasion of Israel’s 69th birthday, Vice President Mike Pence gave a stirring speech; Orrin Hatch, the longest-serving Republican senator, took attendees on an emotional trip down memory lane; and Israel Ambassador to the US Ron Dermer and US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman offered an overview of the day. These remarks were followed by an unforgettable Yom Ha’atzmaut party hosted by Dermer at the Mellon Auditorium attended by National Security Advisor H. T. McMaster and a stirring rendition of “Jerusalem of Gold” by Nannette.