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Israel Independence / Yom Ha'atzmaut

Israel Independence

YOM HA'ATZMAUT is Israeli Independence Day. It celebrates the anniversary of the creation of Israel on May 14, 1948 (or, according to the Jewish calendar, the 5th of Iyyar in 5708). On that day, David Ben Gurion, who became Israel's first Prime Minister, declared the establishment of the State of Israel and the end of the British Mandate. From then on, the 5th of Iyyar became a national holiday, celebrated both in Israel and by Jews and Zionists around the world.

In Israel, Independence Day is celebrated with fireworks, barbecues, and public concerts. Outside Israel, Jewish communities host parties and gatherings to celebrate Israel. Often, the focus of these events is on Israeli culture, everything from classic Israeli foods -- hummus, falafel, schnitzel, and shawarma -- to Israeli dance, Israeli music, and all things Hebrew. People wear blue and white, and wave Israeli flags.

Holiday descriptions provided by Kveller.com.

Israel-Related PJ Library Books 

Here is a list of Israel-related books sent out by The PJ Library either this year or in the past.

  • Review All the Israel-Related Books

    • Shalom Sesame in Israel

    Below are some fun Israel-oriented activities brought to us by our PJ Library partners at Shalom Sesame. 

  • Learn Hebrew with Your Shalom Sesame Friends
    Grover and others use fun videos to teach kids Hebrew. 
  • Tour the Cities of Israel with Grover
    Shalom Sesame takes children on video tours through Israel. 
  • Play the Aleph Game
    This interactive online game teaches children the 22 letters in the Hebrew alphabet.
  • Design Your Own Postcard from Israel
    For children planning to visit Israel (or just wanting to imagine a visit), this interactive tool helps create postcards they can mail to relatives back home. 
  • Jewish Beatbox: Hava Nagila
    Watch Matisyahu teach Moishe Oofnik to "beatbox" Hava Nagila. To "beatbox" is to make musical beats with your mouth. 

    • (Trans) Denominational Resources

    Check out the Israel-related resources provided by these Jewish organizations and movements:

  • Jewish Federations of North America
  • JCCs of North America
  • InterfaithFamily.com
  • Jewish Outreach Institute
  • Union for Reform Judaism
  • Jewish Reconstructionist Federation
  • United Synagogue of Conservative Judaism