Independence Day

Independence Day ablaze: Jerusalemites find strength under fire and ash

This year’s events, though unexpected, reflected the essence of Israeli society – the day was a testament to the resilience of the Israeli people, a tale of overcoming adversity.

 Wildfires rage, with firefighters doing their valiant best.
 BAR-ILAN UNIVERSITY President Prof. Arie Zaban with Dr. Miriam Adelson.

Grapevine, May 9, 2025: Bridges of hope

 AERIAL VIEW of damage caused to Park Canada forest by massive wildfires, May 3

Israel's fire still burns: Reflecting on the symbolism of our remembrance days - opinion

Congressional Israel Allies Caucus Celebrates Independence Day on Capitol Hill Over 300 Rabbis and Pastors Gather in Washington, D.C. for Israel Advocacy Day and Independence Day Reception May 6, 2025, Washington D.C.

Rabbis, pastors attend Israel advocacy, Independence Day in Washington


Israel's independence is incomplete until every hostage comes home - opinion

Jewish ethics insist that a society is judged not by its military might or economic prosperity but by how it treats its most marginalized members. This is the heart of our national mission.

 Relatives of Israelis held hostage protest outside Independence Hall in Tel Aviv, April 30, 2025

The real challenge of Israel's independence is our unity - opinion

In public discourse, instead of listening, we attack. Instead of seeing the other as someone who wants good for this country, we label them an enemy; instead of seeking to understand, we hate.

Israeli flags are seen at Mount Herzl Cemetery in Jerusalem, April 28, 2025

Israel judo coach Oren Smadja resigns after 15 years

"Precisely because judo is part of my soul, I can no longer, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but that’s it, I’m giving up and submitting my resignation," Smadja said on social media.

Oren Smadja, who coached Israel’s men’s national judo team for 15 years, stepped down citing deep concerns for the sport’s future.

Celebrating 77 with a $77 discount: Arkia's Independence Day offer for international flights

Arkia offers discounts on flights, vacation packages, and tours abroad until October 2025, including summer and Tishrei holidays, for Israel’s 77th Independence Day. Air Haifa offers 30% off flights.

 Arkia airplane

A home for those who defend the home: This is the country’s independence gift to reservists

To mark Israel’s 77th Independence Day, the Israel Land Authority offers 900 plots to IDF reservists and disabled veterans under special terms. Find out if you're eligible and how to apply.

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Dana International's torch-bearing omitted from Channel 14 broadcast, name not mentioned on website

A openly transgender singer, the 1998 Eurovision singer was among the participants for Israel's Independence Day torch-lighting ceremony.

 An Illustration of channel 14, photo taken on June 2, 2024

Israel at 77: Choosing life, shaping the future - opinion

Am Yisrael Chai is not a slogan but an eternal covenant. A people lives. A nation thrives. A dream, battered but unbroken, endures.

 FOREIGN MINISTER Gideon Sa’ar meets with UAE Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed Al Nahyan, in Abu Dhabi earlier this year. Imagine what could be accomplished if Israelis, Emiratis, Bahrainis, Moroccans, Sudanese, and others stood together, not just in commerce but in conscience, says the wr

Your Investments: Is it still possible to achieve financial independence?

"The rich invest their money and spend what is left; the poor spend their money and invest what is left." – Jim Rohn

 A WOMAN withdraws money from a Bank Hapoalim ATM in Tel Aviv in March.

Remembrance Day, Independence Day: Memory of the past and building the dream of the future

As we move this week from Remembrance Day – when we risk drowning in sorrow – to Independence Day – when we soar in celebration – we carry both the tears and the triumphs with us.

 ‘VISION AND Tranquility,’ Eden Wolfgur, from Beit Hillel’s illustrated Grace After Meals booklet ‘For the Good and Gracious Land.’

US ambassador Huckabee honored at United Hatzalah Independence Day event in Jerusalem

Huckabee emphasized Israel’s right to “exist in safety and freedom,” and affirmed Jerusalem as the “indisputable, indivisible capital of the Jewish State.”

 US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee receives the United Hatzalah Lifesaving Award, at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, May 1, 2025.

Editor's Notes: They broke me. That’s when I knew I’d never leave Israel

Golda Meir said it best: “We Jews have a secret weapon in our struggle with the Arabs – we have no place to go.”

 AT MY lowest point, I found clarity: Israel is my choice – again and again.