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 Israel's Independence Day Independence Day
Israel national holiday, marks Israel's Declaration of Independence with the end of the British Mandate.
It is the only full holiday in the calendar decreed by law without a tradition of hundreds or thousands of years.
Independence Day is on the fifth day of the Jewish month of Iyar (from the end of April till mid-May), the day in which David Ben-Gurion, the state's first prime minister, declared the country's independence in 1948.
It was declared a full holiday in a law enacted in the Knesset in 1949.
Over the years various traditions evolved to celebrate the holiday, and it is now marked by family picnics in scenic spots all over the country.
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HOLIDAY CUSTOMS
Flags
Many Israelis fly flags from their houses, porches or cars, often with colorful decorations
Entertainment Stages
Because of Independence Day's profoundly secular nature, a tradition of evolved of free entertainment by performers, dancers and comics on stages set up in the center of cities and other communities on the eve of Independence Day.
The shows are often accompanied by fireworks.
The main streets of towns and cities are usually packed with people.
Visits the IDF camps
Many of the army's camps are open to the public on Independence Day, offering Israelis a chances to see arms, navy ships, tanks and aircraft.
Israeli Movies
Local channels devote all of their programming to the holiday and often screen old Israeli movies which have become cult items.
We recommend you have a look at the short videos linked from here - related to Israel's Independence Day and History.
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