Have you ever wondered what Yom Ha’atzmaut is all about?

Since you are (hopefully) moving to Israel, it’s important to understand a bit about Israeli culture!

On May 14th, 1948, the State of Israel was established. Since then, every year on that date, Israelis celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day). It’s a day of national pride, where people come together to barbecue, listen to music, and enjoy the company of friends and family.

Yom Ha’atzmaut is a special day for Israelis, filled with tradition and meaning. From the military parade in Jerusalem to the lighting of torches in memory of fallen soldiers, there are many ways that Israelis celebrate this important holiday.

By understanding more about what this holiday represents, we can all learn more about the rich history and culture of Israel.

This is, of course, an important part of being a full-fledged Israeli for Olim Chadashim.

In many synagogues, even Charedi ones around the country, people don’t say the confessionary prayers (Tachanun) and some even say Hallel (the Psalms of Praise, said in festivals). This shows how important Yom Ha’Atzmaut can be.

Here are some things you may not have known about Yom Ha’atzmaut.

1. Yom Ha’atzmaut is a relatively new holiday. It was only established in 1949, a year after the State of Israel was created.
2. The day is actually a national holiday in Israel, which means that most businesses and schools are closed.
3. One of the most popular ways to celebrate is by having a picnic or barbecue with friends and family.
4. Another popular tradition is flying kites. This started in the early years of the State when children would fly kites as a way of celebrating their freedom.
5. In recent years, the Israeli government has been working to make Yom Ha’atzmaut more eco-friendly by encouraging people to use public transportation and by planting trees.
6. The day always ends with a spectacular fireworks display in Jerusalem. If you’re ever in Israel on Independence Day, make sure to check it out!

But there’s more to this holiday than meets the eye!

Here are 10 other things you didn’t know about Israel’s Independence day.

1. Yom Ha’atzmaut is celebrated on the 5th of Iyar, which is the Hebrew date of the Declaration of Independence in 1948. Since the holiday is based on the Hebrew calendar, the date of the holiday changes every year on the Gregorian calendar. This year, Israel Independence Day will be celebrated on May 14th.
2. The main event celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut is a large military parade held in Jerusalem. The official celebrations begin at sundown on the eve of the holiday.
   This is similar to how other Jewish holidays are celebrated. On the evening before Yom Ha’atzmaut, official ceremonies are held at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, where Israel’s national flag is raised and ceremonial prayers are recited.
3. On Yom Ha’atzmaut, the President of Israel lights a torch in memory of those who have fallen for the country. The ceremony includes 12 torches being lit by soldiers, farmers, new immigrants, artists, athletes, Holocaust survivors, and others who have contributed to Israeli society. Each torch represents one of the 12 tribes of Israel mentioned in the Bible.
4. A siren sounds throughout the country for two minutes at sundown, signaling the start of Yom Ha’atzmaut.
5. The Israeli flag is flown on all public buildings on Yom Ha’atzmaut.
6. Bonfires are lit in public squares across Israel on Yom Ha’atzmaut eve.
7. Families gather together for picnics and barbecues on Yom Ha’atzmaut. Food plays an important role in Israeli culture, so it’s no surprise that Israelis like to celebrate their independence with a feast! Barbecued meats are especially popular on this holiday.
8. Schools hold special events and lessons on Yom Ha’atzmaut to teach children about the holiday and its importance.
9. Restaurants and cafes offer special menus for Yom Ha’atzmaut, featuring traditional Israeli dishes such as falafel and shawarma.
10. TV channels show special programming on Yom Ha’atzmaut, including interviews with public figures and documentaries about Israel’s history and culture.

Conclusion:

Yom Ha’atzmaut is a special day for Israelis.

It’s a time to come together and celebrate the country’s independence. If you’re ever in Israel on May 14th, make sure to join in on the fun!

Whether you’re celebrating with friends and family or taking some time to learn more about this important day in Israeli history, we hope you have a happy Yom Ha’atzmaut!

And who knows, maybe you’ll even learn something new about this fascinating holiday.