Independence Day

National and Public Holidays in Israel National Holiday in Israel

IsraelYom Ha'atzma'ut, Israeli Independence Day, commemorates the declaration of independence of Israel in 1948. It falls on the 5th day of the Jewish lunar month Iyyar.

It celebrates the declaration of the state of Israel by David Ben Gurion in Tel Aviv on May 14, 1948, and the end of the British Mandate in Israel.

Flag of Israel Yom Ha'atzma'ut falls on the 5th day of Iyar on the Hebrew calendar. When the 5th of Iyar falls on a Friday or Saturday, as in 2005, the official celebration may be moved to the preceding Thursday.

The Gregorian date for the day in which Israel independence was proclaimed is May 14th, 1948 when David ben Gurion publicly read the Proclamation of the establishment of the State of Israel.

An official ceremony is held every year on Mount Herzl on the eve of Yom Ha'atzma'ut. The ceremony include speeches from senior Israeli officials, an artistic part, a ritual march of soldiers carrying the Flag of Israel, forming elaborate structures (such as a Menorah, Magen David and a number which represents the age of Israel) and the lighting of twelve beacons (each for every one of the Tribes of Israel). Each year, dozens of Israeli citizens who contributed to the state, are selected to light the beacons.

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