Israel’s Independence Day

 

How Israelis and Germans celebrate Israel’s national holiday.

 

The new Jewish state of Israel was founded on 14 May 1948. This day fell on 5 Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, which is why every year the country celebrates Independence Day or Yom HaAtzma’ut on 5 Iyar. In 2015 this corresponds to 23 April in the Gregorian calendar.

Celebrations begin the evening before. Municipal authorities organize public parties, outside music blares from loudspeakers, and the town centres fill with people.

 

Every year the special ceremony on Mt. Herzl in Jerusalem, at which, amongst other things, 12 torches are lit, is dedicated to a special motto; in 2015 it is “Breakthroughs” and is devoted to Israelis, who with their breakthroughs and innovations have contributed to advancing and improving various areas of life in Israel.

Although Yom HaAtzma’ut is not a religious holiday, it plays an important role for most Israelis. Many people decorate their windows and cars with flags on the day before Independence Day, Yom HaZikaron. This day is dedicated to all those who lost their lives in achieving independence or protecting their nation.

On Independence Day itself many people walk to the battlefields of the War of Independence. They visit the memorials to those killed in the war, go on hikes and generally spend the day outside enjoying picnics and barbecues. Military bases open their doors; the air forces organize an air show. Owing to defence cuts this year the navy will not follow suit.

But Yom HaAtzma’ut is also celebrated in Germany. Since 2000 many towns have organized an “I like Israel” day, initiated and coordinated by the organization ILI – I like Israel. In 2015 there will once again be many street parties, information events and concerts. Patrons are Josef Schuster, President of the Central Council of Jews, and Yakov Hadas-Handelsman, Israeli ambassador to Germany.

“Throughout Germany the ILI Day offers people the opportunity to get to know Israel, talk with one another or to celebrate together and to send the joy at Israel’s Independence Day as a positive signal to all present and future German friends of Israel – but also to people in Israel itself, ” says ambassador Yakov Hadas-Handelsman.

In 2015 celebrations follow the motto “50 Years of German-Israeli Diplomatic Relations”. One goal is to familiarize people with the diverse facets of German-Israeli friendship.

    

The continually updated list of participating towns can be viewed here
 

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