Israel’s Independence Day is called “Yom Ha'atzmaut”, which is Hebrew for “Day of Independence”. On May 14, 1948 David Ben Gurion – Israel’s first Prime Minister - declared Israel’s independence. The Hebrew date that year was the 5th of the Hebrew month of Iyar. This is the date of observance most years, except when there is a clash with Shabbat.
As you see in your calendar, this year (2013) it will be celebrated on Monday night until Tuesday night, April 15th and 16th.
It is important to note that the observance of Israel’s Memorial Day – officially called “The Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day” – is commemorated on the day immediately preceding Israel’s Independence Day. This juxtaposition is meant to remind Jews everywhere of the price which the country and its people have paid for the right to exist.
An official ceremony is held every year on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem on the eve which ushers in Israel’s Independence Day. The ceremony includes speeches, special presentations, marching soldiers forming elaborate patterns (such as a Menorah, Magen David and a number which represents the age of Israel) and the lighting of twelve torches (one for each of the Tribes of Israel). Every year a dozen Israeli citizens, who made a significant social contribution in a selected area, are invited to light the torches. The ceremony concludes with fireworks, which are no less beautiful and inspiring than those of the 4th of July.
One of the key celebrations of Israel's Independence Day is the Annual Tanach (Jewish Bible) Contest for Jewish Youth, held in Jerusalem.
