Yom HaAtzmaut

Yom HaAtzmaut, or Israel’s Independence Day, is an observance that marks the Declaration of Independence of Israel in 1948. This day is a major and widely celebrated event emphasizing the sovereignty, unity, and mutual responsibility of the Jewish state. An essential aspect of Yom HaAtzmaut is celebrating the achievements of Israel and the preservation of the Jewish identity, reinforcing the relationship between the people of Israel and the state itself.

Yom HaAtzmaut was first celebrated on May 14, 1948, when David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency at the time, declared the establishment of a Jewish state in Eretz-Israel (The Land of Israel). Since then, it has become a profound symbol of the persistent struggle and survival of the Jewish people after centuries of exile and persecution. For Israelis, Yom HaAtzmaut is not merely a commemoration of historical events; it also symbolizes the culmination of Jewish self-determination and the fulfillment of the Zionist dream.

Yom HaAtzmaut in Israel is usually marked by various festive events, including public ceremonies, parades, and shows. There is a traditional torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, paying tribute to individuals who've made significant contributions to the Israeli society. Israelis also gather for picnics and barbecues and display Israel’s flag prominently. Kids often participate in the 'draping of the streets' with blue and white, the colors of the Israeli flag. Yom HaAtzmaut typically falls in April or May, based on the Hebrew calendar date, Iyar 5. It immediately follows Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and terrorist victims, demonstrating the heavy cost of independence.