Independence Day (Israel) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Independence Dayיום העצמאות Yom Ha'atzmaut |
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An air display in Tel Aviv on Israel's 61st Independence Day
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| Observed by | Israelis |
| Celebrations | Displaying the flag of Israel and other national symbols, family meetings, fireworks, barbecues, picnics, concerts |
| Observances | Mount Herzl ceremony, Ceremonial lighting of the twelve torches, International Bible Contest, Israel Prize ceremony. |
| Date | 5 Iyar (Hebrew calendar) |
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Independence Day (Hebrew: יום העצמאות Yom Ha'atzmaut, lit. "Day of Independence") is the national day of Israel, commemorating the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948. The day is marked by official and unofficial ceremonies and observances.
Because Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, which corresponded with the Hebrew date 5 Iyar in that year, Yom Ha'atzmaut was originally celebrated on that date each year. To avoid religious problems, today it is celebrated either on 5 Iyar or on one of the preceding or following days; the day of the week it falls on being the decisive factor. Yom Hazikaron, the Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day is always scheduled for the day preceding Independence Day.
In the Hebrew calendar, days begin in the evening. The next occurrence of Yom Haatzmaut will take place on 18-19 April 2018.
Events
An official ceremony is held every year on Mount Herzl, Jerusalem on the evening of Independence Day. The ceremony includes a speech by the speaker of the Knesset (the Israeli Parliament), artistic performances, a Flag of Israel, forming elaborate structures (such as a Menorah, Magen David) and the ceremonial lighting of twelve torches, one for each of the Tribes of Israel.
Every year a dozen Israeli citizens, who made a significant social contribution in a selected area, are invited to light the torches. Many cities hold outdoor performances in cities' squares featuring leading Israeli singers and fireworks displays. Streets around the squares are closed to cars, allowing people to sing and dance in the streets.
Israeli families traditionally celebrate with picnics and barbecues. Balconies are decorated with Israeli flags, and small flags are attached to car windows. Some leave the flags hoisted until after Yom Yerushalayim. Israeli Television channels air the official events live, and classic cult Israeli movies and skits are shown.
Images for kids
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David Ben-Gurion proclaiming independence beneath a large portrait of Theodor Herzl, founder of modern Zionism.
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Independence Day celebrations in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square, 2008
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Israeli Air Force Independence Day flypast, 2011
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International Bible Contest, 1985
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Visitors around an IDF Caterpillar D9 at the Israel Defense Forces exhibition at Yad La-Shiryon, Independence Day 2012.
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Hallel recited at the Day to Praise Israel Independence Day event in Jerusalem, 23 April 2015
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Families celebrating in Israel Defense Force fair in Sderot, 2019.
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IAF F-35I Adir in Independence Day 2019 flypast.
See also
In Spanish: Yom Ha'atzmaut para niños
