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Israeli National Holidays

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Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut are Israel’s national holidays commemorating the lives lost in the fight for freedom and the day celebrating their independence.

  • Jewish Life
  • Israel
  • Holidays
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The modern State of Israel, celebrating its 76th year in 2024, 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, May 12 // Observed May 13, 2024

Yom HaAtzmaut: Begins at sunset, May 13 // Observed May 14, 2024

Join the Oshman Family JCC in Palo Alto for a gathering that honors Israel’s history, our collective strength in the face of adversity and joyful moments including children’s crafts, games, Israeli music and delicious food on Sunday, May 19, 11:00 am – 1:30 pm. For more information and to register, click here.

Join Osher Marin JCC in San Rafael for Shufuni: Look at Me – Music and Stories from Israel on Thursday, May 16, 7:00 – 9:00 pm. For more information and to register, click here.