The State of Israel goes from a somber Yom Hazikaron Remembrance Day straight into celebrating Independence Day. It’s a very special time to be in Jerusalem and there are many events going on.
But this year it feels very different and programs have been adapted to reflect the more sombre atmosphere across the country as we mourn our fallen, pray for the safe and speedy return of all our hostages and give strength to our soldiers who are fighting to defend our country.
Yom Hazikaron – Remembrance Day Ceremonies
- Masa Israel Journey, will commemorate its 16th annual Yom HaZikaron ceremony at Yad L’Shiryon in Latrun. This event, in English, will host over 5,000 attendees and countless viewers worldwide, honoring Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Participate online here.
- The Michael Levin base is honored to present an English speaking ceremony in Jerusalem. Participate online, here.
- OneFamily invites families, volunteers and friends to join them for their annual Yom HaZikaron ceremony. A powerful evening with heartfelt speeches and first-hand testimonies at Binyanei HaUma – SOLD OUT!
Yom HaZikaron Flyover
There will be a short IDF Flyover, at 11am on Yom HaZikaron, over Mount Herzl, signalling the start of the formal ceremony which will be attended by President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Acting Supreme Court President Uzi Vogelman and other Israeli dignitaries.
Celebrate Israel’s Independence Day in Jerusalem.
The Independence Day Flyover
Following the attrocities of October 7, the IDF has announced that there will not an Israel Air Force Flyover this year. Also, given that we are still engaged in war, the IDF bases that are traditionally opened to the public on Yom Haatzmaut, will remain closed.
Prayer & Singing Events
- OU Israel Community Prayer & Song Event at Liberty Bell Park
- Yom Haatzmaut Prayer and dancing at the Western Wall (Kotel)
- Yom Haatzmaut Shacharit & Musical Hallel at the Museum of Tolerance, Jerusalem
- Atzmauta, annual Yom Haatzmaut prayer event that takes place in Teddy Park.
- Yom Haatzmaut at First Station, a celebration and brotherhood, combining Jewish tradition & contemporary Israeli culture, in partnership with Kol Haneshama & Ginot Ha’Ir.
City Sponsored Events
- A Laser Show in the Sky – Jerusalem salutes our heroes: the security and rescue forces, and embraces the families of the abductees with a stunning laser show, celebrating the city’s history, culture, and unity through light and music at the Armon HaNetziv Promenade!
- Atzmaim Be’Shetach – Celebrate Yom Haatzmaut in one of Jerusalem’s parks and nature centers. Free entry for all.
- A “Living Museum” – Honoring Israel’s heroes, past and present. Learn more about the incredible heroism of Henrietta Szold, Hannah Senesh, Geula Cohen, paratroopers who helped liberate Jerusalem in the Six-Day War, and daring underground heroes, presented via actors, singers, musicians and dancers.
Museum Events
Many museums they all have special programming and activities for the holiday.
- The National Library – Free self-guided and guided tours in English & Hebrew
- Israel Museum – Enjoy a variety of tours free of charge, and visit the Museum’s permanent collections and the new exhibitions.
- Bible Lands Museum – Guided tours of the museum galleries and annual Yom Haatzmaut sing-a-long with the legendary Sarale Sharon.
- Science Museum – celebrate Israel’s birthday with wonderful new “sticky” exhibits.
- Ein Yael Living Museum – free entry for all the family this Yom Haatzmaut!
- Begin Museum – Enjoy three different guided tours of the museum learning about Menachem Begin and the State of Israel.
- Tower of David – Enjoy a carnival at the Citadel with theatrical performances, brass bands and drummers, tours of the new permanent display galleries, and the “Jerusalem School” exhibition
- Ammunition Hill – Climb on tanks, tour the battle site, see heritage movies, try on battle equipment and meet soldiers from the Paratroopers brigade.
- Old Yishuv Court – Guided tours, live theater and interactive game for the whole Family.
Fireworks
There are no fireworks displays this year.
For our full list of Yom Haatzmaut events click here.
PHOTO CREDIT: THE BEGIN CENTRE
