Independence Day

Jerusalem Day lacks ritual meaning and how to fix a neglected holiday - opinion

Jerusalem Day celebrates Jewish history and sovereignty, but needs rituals to become a truly unifying and widely observed holiday.

 Jewish men dance with Israeli flags during Jerusalem Day celebrations at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, May 26, 2025.
DAVID BEN-GURION announces the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948.

Here’s why May 14 is a date that matters – opinion

Shulamit Newman was a regular visitor at the President’s Residence on Sukkot. Here, she posed with President  Isaac Herzog and his wife, Michal.

Remembering Shulamit Newman, a true Jerusalem icon of warmth and faith

YEMANU BINYAMIN Zalka, 21, was stabbed in Petah Tikva on Independence Day and later succumbed to his wounds.

Israeli authorities indict 16 teens over Independence Day murder of pizzeria worker


The Maccabiah Games’ crucial role in shaping Zionism and aliyah

Since the quota for olim had been cut by the British, the Maccabiah offered a great opportunity to come but not leave.

No. 38: Larry Frank playing for Vanderbilt University.

Faith, values and coexistence deepen at a Jewish school in Manchester - opinion

How a Manchester Jewish school turned demographic pressure into a powerful example of interfaith success.

Students going to school

From Auschwitz to today: How Israel’s days of memory define who we are - opinion

At Yad Labanim, memory of the Holocaust and fallen soldiers merges with today’s threats, shaping Israel’s resolve to defend its future.

Prof. Dina Ben-Yehuda lights a torch on Independence Day.

Grapevine, May 1, 2026: A landmark amendment

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

THE GIARDINO restaurant at The Jaffa hotel.

The tear that exposes Israel’s democratic crisis - opinion

Israeli man arrested and kippah torn by the police, illustrates the colonization of minds and reflects the decline of the idea of coexistence in Israel-Palestine.

DR. ALEX Sinclair's kippah, after police cut off the Palestinian flag.

Pizza Hut to pay family of Petah Tikva stabbing victim indefinitely, company announces

The pizza chain also committed to establishing a dedicated aid fund for the family of 21-year-old Yemanu Binyamin Zalka, killed following his shift at the restaurant's Petah Tikva location.

People gather outside a Pizza Hut branch in Petah Tikva, lighting candles and placing flowers in memory of employee Yemanu Binyamin Zalka, who was stabbed and later died of his wounds on the eve of Independence Day, April 24, 2026.

Police arrest ninth suspect, another minor, in Independence Day stabbing case

Police further said that two of the suspects were released to house arrest for 12 days, while the detention of six others was extended after they were brought to a court.

People gather outside a Pizza Hut branch in Petah Tikva, lighting candles and placing flowers in memory of employee Yemanu Binyamin Zalka, who was stabbed and later died of his wounds on the eve of Independence Day, April 27, 2026

These American teens ranked high in Israel’s Bible Quiz, in strongest US showing in 50 years

The International Bible Quiz is a centerpiece of Israel’s Independence Day festivities that was founded by the first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion.

Akiva Shrier wins the International Bible Quiz on April 19 in Jerusalem, Israel.

Tens of thousands flood US cities in massive show of support for Israel

The Israeli-American Council said 27 events in 21 communities were taking place from April 23 to May 3.

The  Israeli-American Council Celebrate Israel festivals marking Israel’s 78th Independence Day in April 2026.

Suspect in Independence Day murder is son of senior figure in defense establishment

Zalka, 21, was killed last Tuesday, and the Petah Tikva Magistrate’s Court on Sunday extended the detention of the main suspect in his murder by five days.

Illustration image of handcuffs on the hands of an arrested man, in Jerusalem, May 21, 2025.