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.
Independence Day celebrations begin on the evening of the fifth of Iyar with the end of Yom Hazikaron, the Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel's Wars, with special ceremonies marking the transition from mourning to celebration. The main ceremony is held in Har (Mount) Herzl in Jerusalem
. During Independence Day, the World Bible Quiz is held in Jerusalem and the prestigious Israel Prizes are distributed to the year's winners in a special ceremony.
Most businesses are closed on Independence Day, but cafes restaurants and other places of entertainment are open because it is not a religious holiday.
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.Barbeque - Independence Day has become Israel's unofficial barbeque holiday with families picnicking huge amounts of meat in every green spot they can find in the country.
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.
Prayer - Even though this is a national and not a religious holidayt, religious Zionists tend to say a special prayer composed by the chief rabbinate. This prayer sometimes includes blowing a shofar (a ram's horn).
About Yom Hazikaron
Yom Hazikaron, the Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel's Wars and for Terror Victims is marked every year on the fourth of Iyar (towards the end of April or beginning of May,) one week after the Holocaust Remembrance Day and two weeks after Pesach (Passover.) The day is dedicated to commemorating the country's soldiers and members of security forces, the memory of the fallen from the pre-state undergrounds, and to victims of terrorism.
Yom Hazikaron was formally decreed by law in 1963, but the practice of commemorating the fallen on this day started in 1951 to mark the connection between Independence Day and the people who died to achieve and maintain this independence.
The day starts on the evening of the fourth of Iyar and ends the following evening with the opening of the Independence Day celebrations. By law, all places of entertainment are close on Yom Hazikaron, ceremonies commemorating the fallen are held throughout the country, and flags are flown at half mast. On the eve of Yom Hazikaron a siren is sounded at 8 p.m. and again at 11 a.m. on the following morning. It is customary to stand in silence when the sirens are sounded.
Commemoration ceremonies are held in urban centers, public buildings and cemeteries and TV and radio are devoted to the subject.
Yom Hazikaron Customs
There is hardly anybody in Israel who has not lost a family member, friend or acquaintance in Israel's wars, which makes this day significant for every Israeli. Many go to commemoration ceremonies, and family members of the fallen go on this day to military cemeteries.
Israeli Hora
The Israeli Horah , which is somewhat different from that of some of the Eastern European countries, is widespread in the Jewish diaspora and played a foundational role in modern Israeli folk dancing. Originally from Zikhron Yaakov, it became the symbol of the reconstruction of the country by the socialistic-agricultural Zionist movement. Although considered traditional, the Hora Agadati, which may be the first Jewish adaptation of this dance, was only performed for the first time in 1924.
It is usually performed to Israeli folk songs, and sometimes to Jewish songs, typically to the music of Hava Nagila.
To start the dance, everybody forms a circle, holding hands, and steps forward toward the right with the left foot, then follows with the right foot. The left foot is then brought back, followed by the right foot. This is done while holding hands and circling together in a fast and cheerful motion to the right. Large groups allow for the creation of several concentric circles.
In the early days, Horah was popular mainly in the Kibbutzim and small communities. Later it became a must in group dances throughout Israel, and at weddings and other celebrations by Jews in Israel, the United States and Canada. The dance appeared in North America in the early 20th century, well before modern Israeli independence, brought directly from Eastern Europe by Jewish immigrants.
At bar and bat mitzvahs, it is customary to raise the honoree, and sometimes his or her family members, on a chair during the horah. This is also done at many Jewish weddings, following the Israeli tradition.
264 plant species were declared protected natural assets in Israel from more than 2,800 species of plants that grow wild in Israel.
Protected species include all the Orchid family, and all the trees.
On July 1964 filed the Knesset member S. Izhar the Protection Bill for wildflowers. In late 1964, a law was passed that protected natural values, designed to save wild flowers and its enforcement operation was very successful.
The practice of picking the flowers, which was popular among the Jewish population, brought some beautiful wildflowers and unique country plants to the brink of extinction. The Society for the Protection of Nature and the Nature Reserves Authority joined for a combined operation, in which the authority assumed the role of legislation and enforcement, and the Society for the Protection of Nature - the main role of education and information.
Despite the skepticism, the operation was a success: using all information systems found and all means of communication (brochures, posters, newspapers and radio), and with the help of thousands teachers who joined the mission for years, Israeli stopped picking of thousands of protected wildflowers.
Protection of these species, educational activities and favorable public atmosphere that accompanied the legal action, bore fruit and helped bolster populations of wild plants and increase awareness of the need to keep the natural earth, and to increase the love for flowers and enjoying them all.
Elegant beaded Necklace of crystal beads on a cotton string with special knots that create an interesting beautiful necklace. On the back part a leather string gives the user a light and comfortable feeling.
Opals help the wearer to see possibilities and discover a broader view. Opal gemstones increase your imagination and dreams, & also assist in general healing.
The blue color has a special meaning in Judaism. Boho designer ring handcrafted in Israel.
The Hamsa Hand is one of the original protective signs.
About 42 cm long
It is believed that the one who wears it or hangs it in his house, will be protected from the Evil Eye and it will bring positive energy, happiness, prosperity and health.
$30.00
Enjoy listening and watching Israeli Spring songs:
