(U.S) +1-8446380434
Israeli Independence Day, or Yom HaAtzmaut in Hebrew, is celebrated every year on the 5th of the Hebrew month of Iyar. The celebration typically falls in April or May of the Gregorian calendar. This year it begins the evening of April 25th.
The day starts in the evening, marking the end of Memorial Day and the beginning of Independence Day. This is important in Israel as it calls to remembrance that independence does not come without sacrifice. As the nation moves from mourning to rejoicing, we remember that 75 years ago, David Ben Gurion declared Israel’s Independence. Since then, Israel has seen numerous miracles which have enabled the nation’s survival until today.
On the eve of Independence Day, Israelis celebrate with open-air performances in major cities throughout the country, street parties, and fireworks. During the following day, the celebrations continue with an impressive air show put on by the Israeli Air Force, visits to military bases which are opened to the public specifically for Independence Day, festive prayers, and more! You can read the Prayer for the State of Israel below.
Two of the most popular items that Israelis use to celebrate Independence Day are inflatable toy hammers and snow spray. There have been many ideas and suggestions behind why Israelis celebrate Independence Day with inflatable hammers and snow spray. Some of these include using hammers to remember Judah the Maccabee, whose name means hammer. However, it appears the use originated in Switzerland. The city of Bern in Switzerland celebrated a festival in which it was customary to prank one another with a glitter bomb and confetti. During this festival, Swiss children especially enjoyed using inflatable squeak hammers. In 1964, an Israeli journalist visited Bern during the festival and witnessed the practice. That year toy hammers appeared on the Israeli market for the first time. The snow spray used today is also reminiscent of the confetti used in the Swiss festival.
No matter the origins, the practice of inflatable hammers and snow spray is a fun and family-friendly way to celebrate Israel’s Independence Day!
One of the most common afternoon activities on Independence Day is a family barbecue or mangal in Hebrew.
Independence Day is truly a remarkable and festive day in Israel that you won’t want to miss!
Following you can read a prayer for the State of Israel that is said across the country.
Do you want to celebrate Independence Day next year in Israel?
