YoshChayal:- I already heard your wonderful explanation of “Ayin” & “Zayin” in a sermon on Yom ha’Atzmaut many many years ago, back in the 70’s. Hence you could not be more on the ball, in your assertion, of this wonderful Torah proof for Yom ha’Atzmaut.
All the more so, as we know, that all Sholosh Regolim have a corresponding Rabbinical Holiday. Chanukoh corresponds to Sukkos, as the Porei haChag go down, as do the # of candles according to Bais Shamai [Eilu vEilu Divrei Elokim Chaim]. Purim corresponds to Shovu’os, both being time of Kabolas hatorah. Yom ha’Atzmaut corresponds to Pesach, both being a time of Geuloh.
Your Gematriyos YoshChayal are awesome & very inspiring, and are further prove of the Divinity of this wonderful Chag.
As for your question HLeivi:- Absolutely!! My saintly Rosh Yeshiva who unfortunately was Niftor this past year at a ripe age, told me unequivocally, that one should absolutely be Makir tov to haShem for the Nissim, and to Medinas Yisroel, for having open their arms & borders to Jewish refugees. Hakoras Tov is a wonderful Midoh, which sorely was lacking from 24,000 pairs of students at this time of the year.
I wish you all Chag Sameach on this great day of Yom ha’Atzmaut:- This year 64= 8 squared:- leMa’alah Min haTeva Squared.