Yom HaAtzmaut — Israel Independence Day

What Is Yom HaAtzmaut?

Yom HaAtzmaut is a national holiday in Israel and a religious-Zionist celebration in Jewish communities worldwide, marked by joy, thanksgiving, and special prayers including Hallel (הלל). After nearly two thousand years of exile, the Jewish people regained sovereignty in their ancestral homeland.

Who Celebrates Yom HaAtzmaut?

Yom HaAtzmaut is celebrated by the State of Israel and Jewish communities worldwide — particularly Religious Zionist (Dati Leumi), Modern Orthodox, Conservative, Reform, and Reconstructionist communities. Many congregations recite Hallel with or without a blessing. Worldwide, federations, schools, synagogues, and embassies host parades, ceremonies, and cultural events.

When Is Yom HaAtzmaut?

Yom HaAtzmaut falls on 5 Iyar (ה׳ באייר), the day after Yom HaZikaron. It occurs during Sefirat HaOmer. The Chief Rabbinate of Israel adjusts the date when it would fall on Friday, Saturday, or Monday to avoid Shabbat desecration.

How Is Yom HaAtzmaut Observed?

Religious observance includes: (1) Recitation of Hallel; (2) Special Ma'ariv the night before with festive nusach; (3) Reading of selected Haftarah passages; (4) Recitation of Psalms (Tehillim) 107, 97, and 98; (5) Al HaNissim — added by some in the Amidah; (6) No Tachanun for the entire day; (7) Special Mi Sheberach for the IDF; (8) Festive meals, Israeli music, blue-and-white attire.

Yom HaAtzmaut During Sefirat HaOmer

Because Yom HaAtzmaut falls during Sefirat HaOmer — a period of semi-mourning — most poskim who endorse celebrating the day permit suspending Omer mourning restrictions. This means many communities allow live music, haircuts, shaving, and weddings on the day. Consult your community's posek for guidance.