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, 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
- The Michael Levin base is honored to present an English speaking ceremony in Jerusalem.
- 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 the Olmaya Hall.
- NBN is hosting a special evening featuring Rabbi Doron Perez of the Mizrachi World Movement and World Zionist Organization. His mission took a deeply personal turn on October 7, 2023. His younger son, Captain Daniel Perez z”l was taken hostage after hours of courageous fighting amd he was declared deceased after 163 days in captivity. Daniel’s body remains in Gaza, awaiting a dignified burial.
- OU Israel and Yeshivat Har Etzion invite the global Jewish community to join with the State of Israel as they livestream a Memorial Day for fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror.
- The Jerusalem Municipality’s ceremony, which will be attended by Mayor Moshe Lion, will be broadcast live from Safra Square. The ceremony will be attended by the Mayor of Jerusalem and Municipality Director-General Itzik Larry as well as deputy mayors, City Council members, IDF soldiers, bereaved families, municipal employees, and members of the public
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.
- On a day when we all feel pain in our hearts, take a moment to remember, listen, sing, and be together at a Remembering & Singing evening at the Bible Lands Museum.
- 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 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. Instead there will be a short 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 and other Israeli dignitories.
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 Tefilla and Brunch with NBN at their HQ in Cinema City.
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 – A fascinating experience for the whole family, with a variety of activities for only NIS 10!
- 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.
- 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
