THROUGH THE LENS: Israel’s 69th Independence Day

Report and photos by Yissachar Ruas

May 4, 2017

This week the IAF commemorated Israel’s 69th Independence Day with a flypast, this traditional event varies each year in size. This year’s event marked the first time the IAF presented its new F-35 “Adir” as it is known locally to the public.

The “Adir” was showcased last to the beachgoers in Tel Aviv. While the flypast is usually set to over fly most of Israel’s population centers, Tel Aviv beach gets to see most of what the IAF decides to put in the air. This year the IAF stood up 33 aircraft in flying demonstration while 2 major Air Force bases were opened – Tel Nof and Ramat David. The aircraft included 5 F-15Is, 5×2 F-16Cs, 2 G550 Gulfstreams, 3Beechcraft King Airs, 3 M-346s, 3 CH-53s 1 KC707 refuelling 3 F-15Ds, 1 C-130H, 2 C-130j-30s,3 F-35s and many displays across the country of the IAF’s display Team.

Next will be Israel’s 70th and aviation enthusiasts wait with baited breath to see if there will be a major performance like there was for the 30th, 40th, 50th and 60th years of Independence.

Yissachar Ruas

Photojournalist at Aviation Photography Digest

Yissachar Ruas was born in NYC, shoots world wide commercially, with a special interest in Military Aviation. Yissachar has shot numerous projects for the Israeli Air Force including yearly projects for its Display Team.

Yissachar has had the opportunity to fly with a variety of different air forces including the USMC, Israeli Air Force, NATO alliance nations, embark with the US Navy as well as having flown fast jets with the USAF.

Yissachar shoots Canon since he was given a Canon AE-1 by his mother at the age of 8 years old and progressed by working for many American Wedding Photographers.

More of Yissachar's work can be viewed at:

https://www.facebook.com/yruasphoto