Despite enduring the tragic losses of the Hamas massacre on October 7th, Israel boldly celebrates its 76th Independence Day, demonstrating resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
The main event every year is a torch lighting which typically takes place at Mount Herzl, this year, however, there will be multiple, with simultaneous lighting at 12 sites attacked by Hamas.
The State of Israel lays claim to a unique history that has defied the odds time and again, reuniting the Jewish people with their ancestral homeland in an epic battle to preserve tradition and boldly forge ahead into the future.
“You have been lighting torches for many years, in your lives… you have illuminated the State of Israel in a great light that will burn for many years after the torches of the ceremony are extinguished,” Knesset Speaker Edelstein told the torch lighters.
A unique aspect to the Jewish State is the observance of a somber Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day, followed by joyous Independence Day festivities.
Annual Israel Independence Day celebrations at Mekor Haim Yeshiva High School in Gush Etzion, filled with hundreds of students singing and dancing with joy!