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Hooray! The jubilant day of Yom HaAtzmaut is approaching on May 12! This festive day marks Israel's declaration of independence in 1948 which is observed with vibrant celebrations all over the world. The festivities include dancing, singing, and of course, the ceremonious lighting of twelve torches which signify the Tribes of Israel. From the cheerful parades to the exciting air shows, Yom HaAtzmaut is the day when we come together to rejoice the strength, the resilience, and indeed, the very existence of Israel. Join us as we delve into the exhilarating spirit of Israel's Independence Day!
<div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1948</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Israel's Declaration of Independence</div><div class='timeline-text'>On May 14, 1948, the State of Israel is proclaimed as an independent nation, marking the official birth of the country.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1951</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>First Yom HaAtzmaut Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>The Knesset passes law to celebrate independence on 5th day of Iyar, establishing Yom HaAtzmaut as a national holiday.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1967</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Six-Day War Victory</div><div class='timeline-text'>Yom HaAtzmaut gains added significance after Israel’s victory in the Six-Day War, reaffirming the nation’s strength and resilience.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1978</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Peace with Egypt</div><div class='timeline-text'>The 1978 Yom HaAtzmaut celebration was marked by the historic signing of the peace treaty between Israel and Egypt.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>1998</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>50th Anniversary Celebration</div><div class='timeline-text'>Enormous celebrations across Israel marked the 50th anniversary of the country's independence on Yom HaAtzmaut.</div></div></div><div class='timeline-item'><div class='timeline-left'><div class='timeline-date-text'>2021</div></div><div class='timeline-center'></div><div class='timeline-right'><div class='timeline-text timeline-text-title'>Pandemic Impact</div><div class='timeline-text'>Despite the pandemic, Israelis found ways to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut while respecting health restrictions, showcasing their spirit of resilience.</div></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>1</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Plan a blue and white party</h3><p class='facts-text'>Capture the essence of the Israeli flag by hosting a blue-and-white themed party! Encourage guests to dress in blue and white, decorate the venue with blue and white balloons, streamers, and tablecloths, and serve traditional Israeli snacks.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>2</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Perform a torch-lighting ceremony</h3><p class='facts-text'>In true Yom HaAtzmaut spirit, conduct a torch-lighting ceremony of your own. Each participant can light a candle symbolizing unity, hope, and freedom, and share what these principles mean to them.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>3</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Organize an Israeli film festival</h3><p class='facts-text'>Discover the rich diversity of Israel's cinematic landscape by hosting an Israeli film festival at home. Feature classic Israeli films such as 'Yentl', 'The Band’s Visit', or 'Walk on Water'.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>4</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Learn an Israeli dance</h3><p class='facts-text'>One of the hallmarks of Yom HaAtzmaut is the joyous Israeli folk dances performed in celebrations across the country. Learn a popular Israeli dance step via a tutorial online and teach your friends the steps!</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-header'><h3 class='facts-number'>5</h3></div><div class='facts-text-wrapper'><h3 class='facts-title'>Cook Israeli cuisine</h3><p class='facts-text'>Dive into Israeli cuisine by making classic recipes such as shakshuka, hummus, or falafel. Invite your friends and let them get a taste of Israel's mouthwatering culinary delights.</p></div></div>
<div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>A</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Yom HaAtzmaut symbolizes freedom and independence</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Yom HaAtzmaut is a day of significance as it celebrates the birth of a nation - Israel. On this day, we honor the strength and resilience of Israel, and remember how the Jewish state fought for its independence. This poignant history makes Yom HaAtzmaut a treasured holiday.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>B</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>It promotes unity and collective celebrations</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Yom HaAtzmaut isn't just about remembering history, it's also about unity - people of different backgrounds coming together to join in the joyous festivities. From community parades to dancing and singing, the holiday's traditions help foster feelings of companionship and unity among participants.</p></div></div><div id='' class='whywelove-item'><div id='' class='whywelove-letter-cont'><div class='whywelove-letter'>C</div></div><div id='why-we-love-main-cont'><h3 id='' class='whywelove-title'>Exposure to rich Israeli culture</h3><p id='' class='whywelove-text'>Yom HaAtzmaut offers an excellent opportunity for everyone to immerse in Israeli culture. The holiday calls for participating in traditional dances, tasting flavorful Israeli cuisine, and watching notable Israeli films. Celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut brings the vibrancy of Israeli culture and traditions to the forefront.</p></div></div>
<div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>1</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Yom HaAtzmaut follows Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day</h3><p class='facts-content'>In a striking mix of somber remembrance and joyous celebration, Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day for its fallen soldiers and terror victims, immediately precedes Yom HaAtzmaut. The transition from mourning to celebration underscores Israel's struggle for independence and continued survival.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>2</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>An official ceremony starts Yom HaAtzmaut celebrations</h3><p class='facts-content'>The official State ceremony is held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem on the eve of Yom HaAtzmaut. It involves the parade of soldiers, flag-bearers and involves a ceremonial lighting of twelve torches symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>3</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>The International Bible Contest is a significant part of the celebration</h3><p class='facts-content'>The International Bible Contest or Chidon Hatanach, held on Yom HaAtzmaut, is a highlight. Jewish youth from around the world compete in what showcases the centrality of the Bible in Israeli and Jewish life.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>4</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>"Hallel" prayer is recited on Yom HaAtzmaut</h3><p class='facts-content'>On Yom HaAtzmaut, many religious Jews recite the full Hallel prayers which are a joyous collection of Psalms ordinarily used on Jewish holidays to give praise to God.</p></div></div><div class='facts-item'><div class='facts-number-wrapper'><p class='facts-number'>5</p></div><div class='facts-core-content'><h3 class='facts-title'>Yom HaAtzmaut is marked with tree planting ceremonies.</h3><p class='facts-content'>Israel has a tradition of tree planting on Yom HaAtzmaut, symbolizing growth and commitment to the environment. The Jewish National Fund organizes many of these events, reflecting the importance of the land's farming and agrarian history.</p></div></div>
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