The modern State of Israel was founded in 1948 and a national holiday was established to celebrate the end of British rule. In 1963, the State of Israel created a national memorial day in memory of all those who have died defending the country from 1860 to the present. The choice to observe Memorial Day just before celebrating Independence Day is a symbolic gesture that is meant to remind people of the very high “cost” of statehood.

Yom Hazikaron: Begins at sunset, April 15 // Observed April 16, 2021

Yom Ha-atzmaut: Begins at sunset, April 16 // Observed April 17, 2021