Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day)

Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrates Israel’s Independence Day. Their Declaration of Independence was signed by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion on May 14, 1948. On the Hebrew calendar the date was the 5th day of Iyar, so that is when it is now celebrated. Yom Ha’atzmaut is celebrated by Jewish communities all over the world, but it is most enthusiastically celebrated in Israel. It is celebrated with both religious and secular customs.