From Fourth of July to Canadian Confederation, countries all over the world celebrate their independence by enjoying food, fireworks and more.
The fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, which often falls in late April or early May, is Yom Ha’atzmaut, also known as Israeli Independence Day. This year, Yom Ha’atzmaut falls from sundown on April 30th to sundown on May 1st.
On May 14, 1948, a Declaration of Independence was read and signed by members of the provisional government of Israel. This came after the United Nations suggested and approved a resolution to the ongoing debate over the land by sectioning Palestine into multiple parts being, a part that belongs to Arab/Muslim people and a part that belongs to Jewish people.
For Jewish people living in The United States, celebrating the holiday of Yom Ha’atzmaut gives them a way to recognize and appreciate the existence of Israel. Sarina Oller, a freshman at Ida B. Wells High School recognizes Yom Ha’atzmaut as “a way to notice that we’ve made it, we’ve gone through all this struggle and we’ve made it as a people.”
Many Jewish people who live in America celebrate the holiday by eating Israeli foods or dancing Israeli dances. Oller recommends eating “falafel with fries and watermelon salad” on Yom Ha’atzmaut to celebrate the holiday.
Dylan Osherov, a sophomore at IBW said “I have “Golden Boy” stuck in my head 24/7.” “Golden Boy” is a popular Israeli dance and song created by Nadav Guedj. Many Jewish summer camps in The United States teach this dance to their campers.
In Israel, Yom Hazikaron, Israeli Memorial Day, is the day before Yom Ha’atzmaut therefore, a ceremony takes place in Israel, beginning after sundown on the day of Yom Hazikaron, transitioning from one holiday to another.
On Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, the ceremony begins by raising the Israeli flag from half staff to the top of the pole. To begin, a speech is delivered by the President of Israel, currently Isaac Hersog, honoring the citizens of Israel and soldiers in the Israel Defense Force (IDF).
Then, Hadlakat Masuot, a torch lighting ceremony takes place. Twelve torches are lit, one for each of the twelve tribes of Israel, which are as follows: Reuben, Simeon, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Benjamin, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Ephraim and Manasseh named after Jacob’s twelve sons. A way to honor Israeli citizens who have made significant contributions to Israeli society are honored by lighting these torches.
After the official ceremony, many unofficial festivals take place on the main streets in various parts of Israel. Following the start of Yom Ha’atzmaut, many people spend the night watching fireworks, singing Israeli songs and dancing Israeli folk dances.
On the day of Yom Ha’atzmaut, families living in Israel show appreciation for Israel by enjoying outdoor activities like picnics, hikes, barbecues and playing outdoor sports. Additionally, many army camps are open for civilians to visit and learn more about the IDF and its recent technological achievements.
To end Yom Ha’atzmaut, another ceremony takes place, this one awards individual Israelis for their contributions to the country’s arts, science, culture, and the humanities by granting the “Israel Prize,” which is the most prestigious award in Israel.
Jewish people all over the world take this day as a way to be grateful for the creation and continued existence of the state of Israel.
