In a special video greeting in honor of Israel’s Independence Day, President Shimon Peres said on Monday that there have been “ongoing miracles” during the State of Israel’s 65 years of existence.

“Without land, water and natural resources, we built an outstanding economy and an excellent scientific and technological community,” said Peres.

“Let’s celebrate together and continue to work, to hope, to be true to our values.”

On Tuesday morning, a celebration in honor of Independence Day will be held at the Presidential Residence in Jerusalem.

During the celebration, Peres will hand out rewards to this year’s 120 outstanding IDF soldiers. As well, Peres, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon and IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz will show off their singing talents, each performing a duet with an Israeli singer.

Later on Tuesday, the World Youth Bible Contest will be held. Celebrations will conclude on Tuesday evening with the Israel Prize ceremony.

On Monday night, Memorial Day concluded and Independence Day began with the annual main torch lighting ceremony at Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem.

Knesset Speaker MK Yuli Edelstein opened the ceremonies, calling on all parts of the nation to show more understanding for the others.

“We must continue to debate, but when we debate on issues like ‘sharing the burden’ of IDF service or ‘left versus right,’ we may not wish or work for the elimination of our opposite. We must strive for a society that includes those who debate and argue, where a hareidi Jew can actualize his lifestyle fully and without prejudice, while accepting responsibility for the safety and future of the state, just as a secular person his age would do,” Edelstein said.