Next: about 12 May 2027
Yom HaAtzmaut
Israel's Independence Day: a day after the memorial day for the fallen, with barbecues, flags and fireworks.
When is Yom HaAtzmaut in 2027?
Yom HaAtzmaut 2027 is on Wednesday, 12 May 2027. The date follows the moon or a local calendar, so it can move by a day. Other years: 2026, Wednesday, 22 April 2026; 2028, Monday, 1 May 2028.
About Yom HaAtzmaut
Yom HaAtzmaut celebrates the declaration of the State of Israel on 14 May 1948, which fell on the fifth of Iyar. It follows immediately after Yom HaZikaron, the memorial day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror, and the move from sorrow to celebration at nightfall is a defining feature of the two days. The evening begins with the lighting of twelve torches on Mount Herzl, a flag-raising and fireworks. The following day, families and friends go to parks, beaches and forests for a mangal, an outdoor barbecue, and cities have concerts and street parties. The Israel Defense Forces open bases, and there are flypasts and the Israel Prize ceremony. Many synagogues add prayers of thanksgiving and the Hallel. Flags are hung from cars and balconies.
Yom HaAtzmaut dates: 2026, 2027, 2028
| Year | Yom HaAtzmaut date |
|---|---|
| 2026 | Wednesday, 22 April 2026 |
| 2027 | Wednesday, 12 May 2027 |
| 2028 | Monday, 1 May 2028 |
This date follows the moon or a local calendar and can move by a day, so check with a local source nearer the time.
What is eaten
- barbecue
- salads
- hummus
Traditions of Yom HaAtzmaut
Also part of it, and being written: Israeli Declaration of Independence (The document read.), Mount Herzl (The site of the opening ceremony.).
Written by the EveryParampara desk with AI assistance. Background: "Independence Day (Israel)" on Wikipedia. Customs differ from place to place and family to family. If this is your tradition and we have it wrong, tell us.