Israel celebrates independence

Capitol Hill

Congressional Israel Allies Caucus celebrates Independence Day

Over 300 rabbis and pastors gather in Washington, D.C. for Israel Advocacy Day and Independence Day reception.

Consul General to mark Independence Day with released hostage

Israeli consul Ofir Akunis has scheduled a celebration for next week, with the participation of released hostage Agam Berger and political figures.

King Charles to Herzog:

'Our thoughts and prayers remain with the hostages'

King Charles III sends official letter of congratulations to President Isaac Herzog on the occasion of Israel's 77th Independence Day, expresses solidarity with the people of Israel and acknowledging the ongoing pain of those still held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

Sa'ar to intl. community:

'Protect minorities in Syria from the regime's gangs of terror'

In a wide-ranging speech, Sa’ar celebrated Israel’s resilience, defended its right to self-defense, and urged international action on regional threats.

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Captivity survivor Agam Berger plays violin alongside Dudu Fisher

Captivity survivor Agam Berger plays an ancient violin and accompanies Dudu Fisher during the broadcast of the torchlighting ceremony marking the start of Independence Day celebrations.

Natasha Hausdorff:

'A torch for everyone who fights for Israel's right to exist'

Natasha Hausdorff, a prominent member of UK Lawyers For Israel, was honored with a torch lighting for Independence Day.

Hersh's mother reveals shocking details about her son's murder

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin who was murdered while in captivity, speaks to diplomatic staff stationed in Israel, reveals details about her son's murder in a Hamas tunnel.

Independence Day:

We will defeat them through joy!

This is the path to victory today - faith, not despair and sadness. Unity, not division. Strength, not weakness and a broken spirit. Confidence and determination, not despair and frailty.

2nd Lt. N.'s story

The wounded officer who marched in the Independence Day ceremony

2nd Lt. N., who participated in the Independence Day opening ceremony, tells Arutz Sheva about his friends whom he lost in battle, his injury, and what IDF service means to him as an immigrant.

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Festive Independence Day prayers

Rabbi Shmuel Eliyahu and Rabbi Tamir Granot are leading festive prayers for Independence Day in Jerusalem.

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97-year-old War of Independence vet. dances on Independence Day

At 97, Lehi underground veteran and author Ezra Yakhin celebrated Israel's 77th Independence Day by dancing with the students of the Mitzpe Yericho Yeshiva.

Independence Day:

Haredi activist fights tears during torch lighting ceremony

Shai Graucher, a haredi activist who organized large charity drives for soldiers and those affected by the war, delivered an emotional declaration calling to help those impacted by the war - widows, orphans, and the survivors of captivity.

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Mossad agents light Independence Day torch

Three of the key agents in the Hezbollah pager operation were honored with lighting a torch for Independence Day. The agents identified themselves only by initials and remained masked throughout the ceremony.

Ben Shapiro at ceremony:

'We stand united against enemies of Western civilization'

Ben Shapiro lit a torch for Independence Day and dedicated it 'as a Jew and an American, to Israel, a nation of champions and dreamers.'

Due to inclement weather:

State Independence Day ceremony cancelled

Due to heavy winds, Minister Miri Regev announced that the state opening ceremony for Israel's Independence Day would be cancelled and instead the general rehearsal that was filmed this week will be broadcast.

President Herzog:

'We are a zestful nation, a fighting nation'

In a special Memorial Day interview with Arutz Sheva-Israel National News, President Isaac Herzog addresses national unity, the global response to October 7, and the enduring strength of the Jewish people.

Torch lighting ceremony:

Elisha Medan lit a torch and called for unity

"Our society needs healing – we must not be divided,' IDF soldier Elisha Medan, who was severely wounded in Gaza, expresses hope for social recovery.

Fallen soldier's brothers:

We mourn his loss, on Independence Day we will celebrate for him

The three brothers of Lieutenant Shahar Ben Nun speak to Arutz Sheva and describe their feelings on the first Memorial Day as bereaved brothers.

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Independence Day opening torchlighting ceremony

The traditional torch-lighting ceremony is being held on Mount Herzl to mark the opening of the celebrations for the State of Israel's 77th Independence Day.

Hamas condemns Memorial and Independence Day ceremonies in Hebron

Hamas condemned the Memorial Day and Independence Day ceremonies at the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron, and called them 'a desecration of the holy al-Ibrahimi Sanctuary.'

Independence Day:

More than ten million citizens live in Israel

Israel's population has grown in the last decade at a rate of about 1.5% per year, which is among the highest in the Western world. 91% of Israelis report being satisfied with their lives.

No normal childhood:

Young boy who leads international advocacy to light torch

'It's a great honor,' says 10-year-old Ben Carasso, the spokeskid of Israel and youngest person ever to light a torch at Israel's Independence Day ceremony

Yarden Bibas:

'No independence while they are still there'

Released hostage Yarden Bibas posted a sobering message for the approaching Independence Day.

TikTok reimagines Israeli film for Independence Day

United King Films and TikTok Israel have come together to create an innovative vertical version of a classic Israeli comedy.

Prayer to bridge between Remembrance and Independence Days

Ahead of Israel's 77th Independence Day, Tzohar has published a prayer for the transition from Memorial Day to provide a source of inspiration and comfort amidst the ongoing war.

Omri Casspi to light torch on Independence Day

Omri Casspi, the first Israeli to play in the NBA and an active advocate for Israel since his retirement, has been selected to light a torch at the Independence Day ceremony.

Dana International to light torch at Independence Day ceremony

Transgender Eurovision champion's participation in the official state Independence Day opening ceremony met with opposition on both the right and left.

War hero Elisha Medan to light Independence Day torch

Elisha Medan, who lost both his legs in battle in Gaza, will light a torch at the state opening ceremony on Independence Day.

Independence Day

3 Mossad agents who led Hezbollah pager op to light torch

Minister Miri Regev announced today to 3 Mossad agents who led the pager operation in Lebanon that they had been selected to light a joint torch at the main ceremony on Mount Herzl on the upcoming Independence Day.

Avdija on torch lighting:

'A privilege that symbolizes my connection to the nation'

Israeli NBA star Deni Avdija reacts to the decision to choose him to light an Independence Day torch. 'I try every day to represent Israel with honor.'

Natasha Hausdorff chosen to light torch on Independence Day

Minister Miri Regev has announced that British lawyer Natasha Hausdorff, known for her advocacy for Israel internationally, will be honored with a torch lighting on Mt. Herzl.

Independence Day ceremony

Rabbi whose two sons fell in 10.7 battles to light torch

On October 7th, 2023, Rabbi Shmuel Slotki presided over the IDF team that worked to search for bodies in southern Israel. At the same time, his sons, Yishay and Noam, went to fight the terrorists and lost their lives doing so.

Independence Day

Hamas captivity survivor Eli Sharabi to light torch

Minister Miri Regev has announced that Eli Sharabi, who survived over a year in Hamas captivity and demonstrated extraordinary leadership to assist his fellow hostages, was selected to light an Independence Day torch.

Independence Day:

Bereaved father and released hostage to light torch

Released hostage Emily Damari and Oren Smadja, who lost his son in Gaza, will jointly light a torch on Independence Day.

Emily responds:

I have been granted the privilege, Am Israel Chai!

Captivity survivor Emily Damari responds to the announcement that she will light a torch at the Independence Day opening ceremony.

Ben Shapiro to light Independence Day torch

Minister Miri Regev has announced that Ben Shapiro, known for his advocacy for Israel, will be honored with a torch lighting on Mt. Herzl.

2nd year in a row:

Independence Day flyby and sailby canceled due to war

The annual Israeli Air Force flyby and Navy sailby will not take place this year due to the war. The Memorial Day flyby will take place as usual.

Herzog at July 4th event:

'Clarity and vision is the US's blessing to the world'

President Isaac Herzog addressed the annual US Independence Day Reception at the Ambassador's house and thanked the US for its support and assistance.

Christian group:

Israeli Independence Day celebrated with Solidarity “Walk-In”

The celebrations culminated in a solidarity “walk-in” at UCLA in partnership with Students Supporting Israel after a UCLA Israel celebration.

Gush Etzion:

Arabs uprooted an orchard; the residents planted anew

Arabs from Za'atara uprooted an orchard near the settlement of Nokdim. The locals replanted there on Yom Ha'atzmaut with Israeli flags and a singing of Hatikvah.

Pro-Israel rally in Times Square nets 700-1000 attendees

At a Times Square rally, over 700 friends of Israel - some reports said as many as 1000 - young and old, Jewish and non-Jewish, enthusiastically demonstrated their love and support for Israel and all her people.

IDU holds special exhibition for Gush Etzion on Yom Ha'atzmaut

Israel Dog Unit joins a display of other security forces and demonstrated their working dogs' various capabilities for the crowd.

Toronto Mayor:

'Raising Israeli flag at city hall ceremony is divisive'

Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow decides to skip city hall ceremony marking Israel’s Independence Day, says event where the Israeli flag is raised is currently "divisive" due to the war in Gaza.

Binyamin region Governor:

'We will expand Judea and Samaria by hundreds of thousands'

Israel Ganz, Governor of the Binyamin Region and chairman of the Yesha Council, supports settlement in the Gaza Strip but stresses: First of all - we must eradicate the enemy.

Temple Mount:

Jewish worshiper raises Israeli flag, sings national anthem

Temple Mount opens to Jews in honor of Independence Day, hundreds ascend Mount to pray.

President Herzog:

Pres. Herzog hosts ambassadors on Israel’s 76th Independence Day

President Herzog spoke to ambassadors from around the world on Israel's 76th Independence Day: 'Hamas’s brutal attack was not just trying to weaken the State of Israel. It was trying to weaken the pillars of free, open, democratic societies.'

Singer Miri Mesika sings 'Hatikva' with freed hostages

Before the anthem, Mesika dedicates one of her songs to the freed hostages and prays for the return of all 132 hostages who are still in captivity.

Int'l Bible Contest winners: Evyatar Bar-Gil and David Shasha

A total of 16 contestants - 12 from the Diaspora and four from Israel - competed in the International Bible Contest for youth.

Bereaved mother:

If there's ever a day to be thankful for our Land - this is it

Thousands attend OU Israel’s Leil Yom Ha'atzmaut musical prayer session: 'This year, more than ever, we raise our flags even higher.'

Independence Day 2024:

Flyover over the Hostages Square, Israel Prize in Sderot

Independence Day events continue, with outstanding soldiers ceremony, International Bible Contest, scheduled for later in the day.

PM visits wounded soldiers at Sheba Hospital

On Israel's 76th Independence Day, PM Netanyahu visits soldiers wounded during war, hears their desire for Israel to achieve complete victory.

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Soldiers in Gaza dancing in honor of Independence Day

IDF soldiers from the 22nd Battalion of the Carmeli Brigade celebrate Independence Day in the Netzarim Corridor, waving Israeli flags and breaking into dance.

Biden to Herzog:

'US is proud of our enduring relationship with Israel'

President Biden sends President Herzog greetings on Israel’s 76th Independence Day, praising Israelis' significant resilience and strength following Hamas' October 7th attack.

Israel Independence Day "You shall rejoice in your holiday"

I feel it is an afront for us not to celebrate.

Pres. Herzog:

We will choose life, we won't rest until hostages are home

Israeli President Herzog speaks at traditional Independence Day ceremony honoring outstanding soldiers begins at President's Residence in Jerusalem. 'Strength of spirit and bravery.'

Canadian Prime Minister:

'Israeli people have the right to live in peace and security'

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in statement on Israel’s Independence Day: Our countries have forged a close friendship and strong bilateral relationship.

In central Bnei Brak:

Israeli flag flown on roof of Ponevezh Yeshiva

As per the instructions of Rabbi Yosef Shlomo Kahaneman, legendary Ponevezh Yeshiva dean, the Israeli flag was hung early on Independence Day morning and will remain there until the afternoon.

After losing his legs in battle:

Elisha Medan: Iran and Hezbollah want to divide us

Elisha Medan, IDF soldier who lost his legs in battle, joins Outstanding Soldiers ceremony, calling for unity amongst the nation.

The Diaspora Torch:

'For all those that heard the call'

One of the torches this evening honored the many Jewish communities outside of Israel who rushed to help when the war broke out.

Netanyahu:

'We'll fight until the end, until victory'

PM says at Independence Day ceremony that 'at the moment of truth, an entire nation mobilized,' calls this 'the generation of the victorious heroes.'