Israel Memorial and Independence Days

ISRAEL MEMORIAL AND INDEPENDENCE DAYS

“Let Israel say, God’s loving-kindness is forever... Iwill thank You, for You answered me... Please grant us success.”15

Yom HaAtzma’ut, Israel Independence Day, celebrates the establishment of the State of Israel. In celebrating the day, we affirm our connection to the places that link us and the global Jewish family to our historical heritage, we rejoice in all the Israel has accomplished, and we consider the dreams we have for Israel.

Yom HaAtzma’ut falls on the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, which corresponds to May 14, 1948, the date the provisional government read and signed the Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv. This day of joy is directly preceded by a day of reflection, Yom HaZikaron, or Memorial Day, commemorating fallen soldiers and casualties of terrorism. The connection is clear: without those who have sacrificed their lives, the State of Israel would not exist.

Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzma’utare invitations to welcome Israel into your home. With a memorial candle and a commitment to share the story of one fallen soldier each year, Yom HaZikaron can become a day of connection for your family, a day that transitions into celebration with Israeli food and music, art, and poetry. Many communities organize parades and events for Yom HaAtzma’ut– we encourage you to seek out or start one of your own!

15 Excerpt from Psalm 118.