Yom HaAtzmaut

Yom HaAtzma'ut (Israel) History

Yom HaAtzmaut, or Israel’s Independence Day, 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.

Yom HaAtzmaut facts

• Many Jewish prophets in the Bible prophesied that the Children of Israel would return to their land. Isaiah, Jeremiah and Zachariah made notable prophecies. For example, Jeremiah 29:10. This is what the Lord says: 'When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place'.
• According to Rabbi Tzvi Yehuda Kook and many others in the Religious Zionist camp, the founding of the State of Israel was considered to be Atchalta De'Geulah the beginning of the final redemption.
• The official "State ceremony" for Yom HaAtzmaut is held on Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, which is the national cemetery of Israel. The ceremony includes a speech from the speaker of the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament), artistic performances, a Flag Parade of soldiers marching with the flags of IDF units, and the lighting of twelve torches, representing the Tribes of Israel.
• The official "state ceremony" of Yom HaAtzmaut is held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, each year on the evening of Independence Day.

In the News and Trending in Israel for Yom HaAtzmaut

Top things to do in Israel for Yom HaAtzma'ut

• Attend a Yom Haazmaut Party, held at many local Israeli/Jewish Communities on the Eve of Yom Haazmaut. Typically, Israeli food is served, followed by a fireworks display. A live broadcast of the Yom Haazmaut ceremony from Har Herzl, Jerusalem may be watched and culminates in the singing of the Hatikvah, the Israeli National Anthem.
• Attend a lecture on the connection between Jews, Israel and the Bible. Yeshivah University holds many public lectures on this topic.
• Attend the Official Ceremony: This takes place every year on Mount Herzl, Jerusalem on the evening of Yom Ha’atzmaut. It includes speeches from prominent figures and a huge firework display.
• Read a book to learn more about Yom-HaAtzmaut in Israel:
  1) O, Jerusalem! - by Larry Collins and Dominique Lapierre
  2) The Israelis: Ordinary People in an Extraordinary Land - by Donna Rosenthal