For all that tragedy in the background of this year's ceremony, there was a spirit of hope and optimism in the air.
The official events began on Sunday at 8 p.m., as a one-minute-long siren went off throughout the country, allowing a moment of silence to remember and honor the fallen soldiers.
Acknowledging collective loss, Herzog thanked the families for choosing life rather than dwelling in misery.
Addressing the resurgence of antisemitism worldwide, Herzog encouraged Jews to have hope and stand strong.
Herzog stated that despite the many differences in backgrounds, they had succeeded in reaching an agreement on the 36 new judges.
Movers and shakers in Israeli society.
President Herzog arrives in Rwanda as first high-ranking Israeli in Africa since October 7, discussing the hostage crisis and marking the 30th anniversary of the genocide.
Presidents Zelensky and Herzog participated in writing a Torah Scroll dedicated to peace amid their countries' crises. The scroll engages diverse contributors and symbolizes Israel-Ukraine unity.
Ali Salem urges ceasefire in Gaza at President Herzog's Iftar dinner, emphasizing peace-making capacity of attendees. Arab-Jewish unity emphasized, focusing on partnership for peace and solidarity.