Holiday guide
Yom HaAtzmaut
Yom HaAtzmaut is Israel's Independence Day, marking the declaration of the state on 5 Iyar 5708, 14 May 1948.
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Israel or the diaspora?
A national holiday in Israel; celebrated in diaspora communities with events rather than a day off.
On the ground
What happens in Israel
Fireworks and street parties the night before, then a national barbecue day, an air force flyover, and the Bible Quiz on television.
Year by year
Yom HaAtzmaut dates, year by year
Every date from 2024 to 2030, computed from the Hebrew calendar. Each year has its own page with candle lighting times.
The rest of the calendar
Other Jewish holidays
8 of the 14 other holidays on the Hebrew calendar, nearest date first. Every card opens a guide with dates from 2024 to 2030.
September 12, 2026
Rosh Hashanah
The Jewish New Year (start of Hebrew year 5787). Shofar blasts, apples and honey, two days of prayer and festive meals.
September 21, 2026
Yom Kippur
The Day of Atonement, the holiest day of the Jewish year. A 25-hour fast from sundown to nightfall.
September 26, 2026
Sukkot
The festival of booths. A week of meals in the sukkah with the four species. The first two days are yom tov in the diaspora.
October 3, 2026
Shemini Atzeret & Simchat Torah
The closing festival of Sukkot, followed by Simchat Torah: finishing and restarting the Torah reading with dancing. One combined day in Israel, two in the diaspora.
December 5, 2026
Hanukkah
The festival of lights: eight nights of candle lighting marking the rededication of the Temple. Latkes, sufganiyot and dreidels.
January 23, 2027
Tu BiShvat
The new year of the trees. Tree planting in Israel and eating the fruits of the land.
March 23, 2027
Purim
Celebrates the rescue of the Jews of Persia as told in the Book of Esther. Megillah readings, costumes, mishloach manot and festive meals.
April 22, 2027
Passover (Pesach)
The festival of freedom, marking the Exodus from Egypt. Seder nights, matzah, and no chametz for eight days (seven in Israel).
Frequently asked questions
When is Yom HaAtzmaut?+
The next Yom HaAtzmaut begins at sundown on May 11, 2027 and ends at nightfall on May 12, 2027. Because the Hebrew calendar is lunisolar, the Gregorian date shifts each year while the season stays fixed.
What is Yom HaAtzmaut?+
Yom HaAtzmaut is Israel's Independence Day, marking the declaration of the state on 5 Iyar 5708, 14 May 1948.
Does Israel observe Yom HaAtzmaut differently?+
A national holiday in Israel; celebrated in diaspora communities with events rather than a day off.
What is Yom HaAtzmaut like in Israel?+
Fireworks and street parties the night before, then a national barbecue day, an air force flyover, and the Bible Quiz on television.