I arrived in Israel this afternoon. There is no feeling in the world quite like the one you have when your plane touches down in Israel. As corny as it sounds, it truly feels like coming home. When I came through baggage claim I met my driver. In my distinctly American way of trying to make polite conversation, I asked him if he had been waiting long, and his gruff response was, "yes, over an hour." Welcome home! It brought a big smile to my face.

It is a somber day to arrive as Yom Hazikaron just began a few moments ago. A siren blew and the country came to a complete stop for a minute to remember those who have fallen in defense of our homeland. Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha'atzmaut are both secular holidays that transcend religious observance and go straight to the heart of our country - remembering the loss of life in defending Israel's right to exist and the establishment of a Jewish State only 62 short years ago. I always feel honored to be here for these two very precious holidays.

I went for a walk soon after arriving at the hotel and once again I am amazed at the hustle and bustle in Tel Aviv as there are buildings being built and the area is teeming with visitors. In the midst of all the hubbub, I passed a brightly painted sign reminding passers by that Gilad Shalit is still in captivity. This is the distinct juxtaposition of life in Israel - growth, development and technology - but never without losing site of who we are or the politics that surrounds us. This really is the theme of this trip and I look forward to sharing more with you soon. He are some photos from my arrival in Tel Aviv.