As the sadness of Memorial Day makes way for the joy of Israel Independence Day, Arutz Sheva brings you live coverage of Israel's official 66th Independence Day celebrations at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
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Tonight's ceremony, which takes place on the mountain named after Zionist visionary Theodore Herzl, includes will the see Israeli flag raised from half mast to full mast, and will feature the lighting of twelve candles, symbolizing the Biblical twelve tribes of Israel. This year, the candles will be lit by 14 Israeli women leaders - including political and military leaders, social activists, entrepreneurs, scientists, artists and sportswomen - in recognition of the unique contribution of women to Israeli society.
Tomorrow will see celebrations throughout the country, as the country enters its most boisterous national holiday.
Parades, parties and ceremonies of all kinds will be held (including the International Bible Quiz, which Arutz Sheva will also be covering live), and tens of thousands of Israelis will flock to nature trails and parks throughout the country for the customary mangalim (barbecues) and tiyulim (hikes) which have come to symbolize the attachment of the Jewish people to their ancestral homeland.
Arutz Sheva wishes all of our readers and Israel a happy Yom Ha'atzmaut!