Israel celebrates 63 years of independence

Israel Independence Day is celebrated annually on the anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel, according to the Hebrew calendar, on 5 Iyar (this year postponed one day because of the Sabbath). The day preceding this celebration is devoted to the memory of those who gave their lives for the achievement of the country’s independence and its continued existence. This proximity is intended to remind people of the heavy price paid for independence. On this day the entire nation remembers its debt and expresses eternal gratitude to its sons and daughters who gave their lives for the achievement of the country’s independence and its continued existence.

Population of Israel

On the eve of Israel’s 63rd Independence Day, the Israel Central Bureau of Statistics announced that the population of Israel numbers 7,746,000 – of them 5,837,000 Jews (75.3% of the total population) and 1,587,000 Arabs (20.5%). On the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948 the total population numbered 806,000. Today, over 70% of the total Jewish population are “Sabras” – born in Israel – compared with 35% native-born in 1948.

Since Independence Day last year 178,000 babies were born, and 24,500 new immigrants arrived in Israel. The total population of Israel grew since the 62nd Independence Day by approximately 155,000 – a growth of 2.0%.

In 1948 there was only one city in Israel with more than 100,000 residents – Tel Aviv-Yafo. Today, 14 cities number more than 100,000 residents, of which six number more than 200,000 residents: Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Yafo, Haifa, Rishon LeZiyyon, Ashdod, and Petah Tiqwa.


 David Ben-Gurion
 declares the
 establishment of
 the State of Israel


Israel’s 63rd Independence Day celebrations will commence on Monday evening, May 9, when the state flag is raised to full mast at a national ceremony on Mount Herzl, at which twelve torches are lit. Theodor Herzl was the leader and founder of the Zionist movement and increased international recognition for the need of a Jewish state.

On May 14, 1948, the day the British Mandate expired, the new Jewish state – the State of Israel – was formally established in parts of what was known as the British Mandate for Palestine. With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Jewish independence, lost two thousand years earlier, was restored. Independence Day is filled with festivities and celebrations including picnics, barbecues, family gatherings and nature trips. Balconies, car windows, store fronts and more are liberally decorated with Israeli flags.

Independence Day is a celebration of the renewal of the Jewish state in the Land of Israel, the birthplace of the Jewish people. In this land, the Jewish people began to develop its distinctive religion and culture some 4,000 years ago, and here it has preserved an unbroken physical presence, for centuries as a sovereign state, at other times under foreign domination. Throughout their long history, the yearning to return to the land has been the focus of Jewish life.

Since its establishment, Israel continues to be a homeland to the thousands who make their way to Israel annually. It is home to some of the holiest religious sites of the three major religions, all which enjoy the democratic rights delineated in the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel.




Celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut live with President Peres, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Barak, IDF Chief of General Staff Gantz, and 120 outstanding soldiers

President Shimon Peres will host Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen Benny Gantz for the annual Independence Day Celebration at Beit HaNassi. This year, for the first time, there will be live internet coverage to facilitate viewing by Jewish communities and individuals from around the world.

Viewers can tune into watch the ceremonies from any computer or Smartphone. The live feed will be accessible on Tuesday, 10 May 2011 at 09:30-11:00 Israel Time (+3 GMT).

The event begins with an impressive IDF Air Force fly-over including planes and helicopters. The President and Chief of General Staff will then review the 120 Outstanding Soldiers who are being recognized for their exemplary service. Both will then deliver special remarks for Yom Ha’atzmaut. Past and present military leadership of the IDF will also attend.

The main musical event, “Celebrating Independence with the President”, will be hosted by Avi Kushnir. The President, Prime Minister, Defense Minister and Chief of General Staff will each sing their favorite Israeli song accompanied by Israeli music artists Miri Mesika, Harel Skaat, and Kobi Aflalo.

European Jewish Post