Israel Independence Day(Yom Ha`atzmaut)

The state of Israel, small by world standards, is today a successful, developed independent country. The official date of independence was May 14, 1948. Since then, Independence Day in Israel is the main holiday, which is celebrated on an appropriate scale. Every year the date of Independence Day celebration changes. This is due to the fact that in Israel all holidays and important dates are calculated according to the Jewish calendar, which differs from what everyone is used to. On the 4th and 5th of Iyar 5708, two holidays follow one after the other: the Day of Remembrance for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and, in fact, immediately after it, Independence Day. If necessary, both holidays are moved so that the celebration of Independence Day falls on certain days of the week, namely Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Thus, the ceremony at the end of Yom Ha Zikaron (Remembrance Day) marks the inauguration of the celebration of Yom Ha Atzmaut (Independence Day). According to an already established tradition, the solemn ceremonial part begins after sunset, on the Mount of Memory in Jerusalem. There is an official cemetery where famous Israeli political and public figures and fallen Israeli soldiers are buried. The Speaker of the Knesset lights exactly 12 torches. The number of fires is equal to the number of tribes of Israel. At the same time, the state flag is raised. This marks the end of Yom Ha Zikaron and the beginning of Yom Ha Atzmaut. Throughout the night, entertainment venues are open throughout the country, and festive fireworks do not stop until the morning. A crowd of thousands party all night long, singing national songs. The festivities last all night and continue in the morning, only this time in nature. Shish kebab and barbecue are mandatory attributes of this festive picnic. Independence Day is celebrated not only in Tel Aviv itself but throughout the country. There are Jewish communities in every state and, even living in another country, Jews consider it their duty to celebrate this holiday according to established traditions.