Happy Birthday to Israel! A celebration in pictures

Take a look at Israel's celebrations of the country's 73rd Independence Day.

APRIL 15, 2021 15:30

Updated: APRIL 15, 2021 15:31

Israeli soldiers dance during the 73rd anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem on April 14, 2021. (photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH 90) — Israeli soldiers dance during the 73rd anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem on April 14, 2021.

(photo credit: YONATAN SINDEL/FLASH 90)

Israel celebrated its 73rd Independence Day on Thursday, with Israelis, Jews, and allies from all over the globe wishing the country a happy birthday.

The celebrations began on Wednesday evening with fireworks, ceremonies and parties across Israel.

Fireworks in #Jerusalem for Independence Day now pic.twitter.com/PYbJp1vgQK
— Seth Frantzman (@sfrantzman) April 14, 2021

Israelis watch fireworks during a show to mark Israel's 73rd Independence Day on Rabin square in Tel Aviv on April 14, 2021 (photo credit: Miriam Alster/ Flash90).

The IDF commemorated its role in Israel's fight for independence with its air force display and soldier representatives at the Opening Ceremony on the eve of Independence Day.

Israeli air force aerobatic team fly during a military training for the upcoming Israel's 73rd Independence day in Jerusalem, on April 12, 2021 (photo credit: Yonatan Sindel/ Flash90).

Israeli soldiers seen before the start of the 73rd anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem on April 14, 2021 (photo credit: Yonatan Sindel/ Flash90).

Israeli soldiers march during the 73rd anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem on April 14, 2021 (photo credit: Yonatan Sindel/ Flash90).

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The Opening Ceremony on Mount Herzl also included a segment in which selected candidates who contributed to the welfare of the country were invited to light a torch in honor of Israel's 73rd anniversary.

Shira Iskov (right), who became a prominent member of the fight against violence against women by speaking publicly about her husband's alleged attempt to murder her, and Adi Guzi, her neighbor who saved her from the murder attempt, light a torch at the Independence Day ceremony.

Shira Isakov and Adi Guzi light a torch during the 73rd anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem on April 14, 2021 (photo credit: Yonatan Sindel/ Flash 90).

Shlomi Shabbat has been gracing the Israeli music world since he burst onto the scene in 1989, but coronavirus forced him to take a step back. In October 2020, he held a virtual press conference praising the medical personnel who took care of him, as well as his devoted fans – closing it with a rendition of his 1989 hit "biglal haruach" (Because of the Wind), an optimistic tune about keeping up a fight.