The Israeli Manufacturers Association reported Monday that Israelis are expected to eat 1,400 tons of meat on Independence Day in 2009 worth over 30 million shekels. Many Israelis traditionally make a barbecue on the day.
Independence Day falls out in the Hebrew Month of Iyar. The month also contains the holiday of Lag B’omer, on which many families barbeque as well. According to the IMA, during Iyar Israelis purchase twice the amount of meat than they purchase in other months.