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 still feels very different and programs have been adapted to reflect the more sombre atmosphere across the country as we mourn our fallen and give strength to our soldiers who are fighting to defend our country.
Yom Hazikaron – Remembrance Day Ceremonies
- The Michael Levin base is honored to present an English speaking ceremony in Jerusalem. Due to the ongoing security situation, this year it is pre-recorded.
- OneFamily invites families, volunteers and friends to join them for their annual Yom HaZikaron ceremony. Again, this year it is pre-recorded.
- On the eve of Memorial Day for the Fallen of Israel’s Armed Forces and Victims of Hostilities, the Jerusalem Museum of Tolerance, in collaboration with the IDF Widows and Orphans Association, invites the public to participate in a moving and powerful memorial ceremony.
- Yad LeBanim, is hosting the main Yom Hazikaron ceremony, which will be broadcast live. In the presence of representatives from The Jerusalem Municipality, the Ministry of Defense, the Families, Commemoration and Heritage Division, the “Yad Labanim” organization, and the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization
- Jerusalem’s Great Synagogue is hosting an evening prayer and songs in memory of Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of hostile acts, and for the well-being and success of the IDF.
Communal Sing-A-Longs (Shira BaTzibur)
- There’s a Yom Hazikaron Memorial Day Concert at Sultan’s Pool, honoring Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of hostile acts.
- Safra Square‘s event is one of the cornerstones of Yom HaZikaron in Jerusalem, with a subdued and intimate performance by various singers, with seating on mats.
- Atzmauta is the annual mass outdoor event with prayers, a sing-a-long and a party at Teddy Kollek Park.
Yom Hazikaron Tours
- On the eve of Remembrance Day, honor the memory of Israel’s fallen heroes the City of David is hosting special walking tours and stories of the Israeli soldiers who fell in defense of the State of Israel.
Yom HaZikaron Flyover
Following the attrocities of October 7, the IDF has announced that, once again, there will not an Israel Air Force Flyover this Yom Haatzmaut.
Celebrate Israel’s Independence Day in Jerusalem.
The Independence Day Flyover
The IDF has announced that there will not an Israel Air Force Flyover again this year. Also, given that we are still on high alert, 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)
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.
- Binyanei Ha’uma is hosting a complex full of experiences for the whole family with trampolines, inflatables, gymboree, spectacular shows, an animal show and lots of other surprises.
Museum Events
Many museums they all have special programming and activities for the holiday.
- Science Museum – A fascinating experience for the whole family, with a variety of activities for only NIS 10!
- Ammunition Hill – Climb on tanks, tour the battle site, see heritage movies, try on battle equipment and meet soldiers from the Paratroopers brigade.
Fireworks
There are no fireworks displays this year.
For our full list of Yom Haatzmaut events click here.
PHOTO CREDIT: THE BEGIN CENTRE
