Yom haatzmaut

Independence Day in israel: Reflecting on war, peace, and uncertainty

This year’s Independence Day in Israel brings a mix of celebration and somber reflection, as tensions with Gaza, Lebanon, and Iran continue to shape the nation's future.

|ByJERUSALEM POST PODCASTS
The Jerusalem Dispatch
People gather outside a Pizza Hut branch in Petah Tikva, lighting candles and placing flowers in memory of employee Yemanu Binyamin Zalka, who was stabbed and later died of his wounds on the eve of Independence Day, April 24, 2026.

Pizza Hut to pay family of Petah Tikva stabbing victim indefinitely, company announces

The pizza chain also committed to establishing a dedicated aid fund for the family of 21-year-old Yemanu Binyamin Zalka, killed following his shift at the restaurant's Petah Tikva location.

|ByARIELLA ROITMAN
OU Israel Independence Day event for English-speakers at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem, April 21, 2026.

OU Independence Day event in Jerusalem sees about two thousand participants

Several of the organization's senior leadership were in attendance, as well as an assortment of Americans, Canadians, Australians, and South Africans, including Olim.

|ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Chaim Malespin with his family.

‘Do not forget the fighters’: Chaim Malespin marks Israel’s 78th Independence Day

Malespin honored Israel’s 170 fallen soldiers over the past year, including Staff Sergeant Daniel Hamo, a fighter and paratrooper from Tiberias who fell in Gaza.

|ByTAMARA OSSANDON

NY family makes aliyah to southern Israel days before nation’s 77th Independence Day

The Siegmans from Queens landed in Israel with help from Nefesh B’Nefesh, choosing to settle in Kiryat Gat just before Yom Ha’atzmaut.

MAY 1, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF, IN COLLABORATION WITH NEFESH B’NEFESH
The Siegman family arrived at Ben Gurion Airport with the help of Nefesh B’Nefesh, alongside 11 other new immigrants from North America.

First Jewish people’s choice awards to be held in Times Square

The event will recognize Jewish activism and raise funds for ZAKA’s mental health initiatives.

APRIL 29, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF

Independence Day 2025: Ben Shapiro chosen as ceremonial torchbearer

Ben Shapiro will light a torch at Israel’s Independence Day ceremony, alongside freed hostage Emily Damari and Olympic medalist Oren Smadja.

APRIL 20, 2025ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Ben Shapiro speaking with attendees at the 2019 Student Action Summit hosted by Turning Point USA at the Palm Beach County Convention Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.

After October 7, ‘never again’ has become an empty promise

According to the Chief Rabbi of South Africa Warren Goldstein, the Western world has abandoned Israel.

MAY 13, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Rabbi Warren Goldstein

Israel must lead the Jewish community in the fight against global antisemitism - opinion

Yom Ha'atzmaut re-establishes the role of Israel in global Jewish protection. Israeli commitment to countering antisemitism ensures Jewish prosperity.

MAY 13, 2024ByADAM MILSTEIN
Students place flags near the main lawn of Columbia University, to show support for the Jewish community on campus, for peaceful solutions, and commemorate all lives lost since October 7, 2023, across from a student protest encampment in support of Palestinians, during the ongoing conflict between

Rabbi Yossi Arbelich to be honored for humanitarian work in medicine

MAY 6, 2024ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Rabbi Yossi Erblich visiting a wounded soldier

Jerusalem Post, Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem celebrate diversity in Israel

The conference featured a number of panels on education, high-tech, cyber-security, diversity in business, innovation in the periphery and city leadership.

APRIL 28, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
The Jerusalem Post's "Celebrate the Faces of Israel" conference at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, April 27, 2023.

Herzog hosts 120 outstanding soldiers, families at Independence Day ceremony

Since this is a landmark anniversary year of Israel’s independence, this year’s celebration is particularly meaningful.

APRIL 26, 2023ByGREER FAY CASHMAN
Israeli president Isaac Herzog and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi with outstanding soldiers during an event part of Israel's 75th Independence Day celebrations, at the President's residence in Jerusalem on April 26, 2023.

Inside Israeli Innovation, Ep. 9: 12 inventions for Independence Day

APRIL 26, 2023ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Top Israeli inventions

Can Zionism adapt to the needs of the future? - opinion

On Israel's 75th birthday, then, let us learn from our past and look forward toward a new future.

APRIL 25, 2023ByDR. MIJAL BITTON/JTA, DR. MASUA SAGIV/JTA
THE ISRAEL Air Force trains for Israel’s 75th Independence Day, in Jerusalem this past week.