Independence Day (Israel)

Yom Ha'atzmaut יוֹם הָעַצְמָאוּת‎
Aerobatics display over Tel Aviv on Israel's 61st Independence Day, 2009
Observed by	Israelis
Celebrations	Family gatherings, firework displays, public celebrations (barbecues, picnics, concerts, etc.), religious services
Observances	Mount Herzl memorial ceremonies, Lighting of the Twelve Torches, International Bible Contest, awarding of the Israel Prize to recipients, etc.
Date	5 Iyar (Hebrew calendar)
2023 date	Sunset, 25 April – nightfall, 26 April[1]
2024 date	Sunset, 13 May – nightfall, 14 May[1]
2025 date	Sunset, 30 April – nightfall, 1 May[1]
2026 date	Sunset, 21 April – nightfall, 22 April[1]
Frequency	Annual
Related to	Yom HaZikaron Nakba Day

Yom Ha'atzmaut (Hebrew: יוֹם הָעַצְמָאוּת, Arabic: عيد الاستقلال, romanized: ʿīd al-istiqlāli, lit. 'Day of Independence') is Israel's national day, commemorating the Israeli Declaration of Independence on 14 May 1948. It is marked by a variety of official and unofficial ceremonies and observances.

Because Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, which corresponded with the 5th of Iyar on the Hebrew calendar in that year, Yom Ha'atzmaut was originally celebrated on that date. However, to avoid Sabbath desecration, it may be commemorated one or two days before or after the 5th of Iyar if it falls too close to the Sabbath. The day preceding Israel's independence day is Yom HaZikaron, which is dedicated to the memory of fallen Israeli soldiers and Israeli civilian victims of terrorism.

In the Hebrew calendar, days begin in the evening; Yom Ha'atzmaut is observed from nightfall until the following evening of the designated day.^[2]