Yom Haatzmaut 2019 Events in Jerusalem
Yom Haatzmaut 2019 events will take place between May 8-9. We will update the information as soon as it’s available. Meanwhile, you can check out last year’s events.
The first thing you will notice about Yom Haatzmaut is the emotional transition from the sadness of Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Day of Remembrance, to Israel Independence Day, an official national holiday which has become an important day in the Jewish calendar, being celebrated by Jewish communities around the world. Yom Haatzmaut begins at sundown immediately following Yom Hazikaron and ends after sundown the following day. It celebrates the declaration of independence of the State of Israel in 1948, making this the 70th anniversary!
Yom Haatzmaut is held on the fifth of the Hebrew month of Iyar. This year it falls on the evening of April 18, 2018 and celebrations last until the evening of April 19, 2018.
The state ceremony that brings in Yom Haatzmaut takes place at Mount Herzl, Israel’s military cemetery, by Theodor Herzl’s grave. And from there the city erupts with events, parties, outdoor get togethers, concerts and more!
Street Parties
Join a street party on Jaffa Street/Hillel Street/Ben Yehuda Pedestrian Street and soak in the authentic spirit of Independence Day with music, beverages, and lots of fun.
Wear clothes that you don’t care about too much since they might get stained by all the foam sprayed at you throughout the night. Also beware you might get bopped on the head with huge, inflated blue and white hammers.
Looking for more street celebrations? Go to Machane Yehuda Market and you’ll find another 3 DJ booths that will make you dance all night long.
When: 10:00 pm
Cost: Free
Independence Day Concert at Jerusalem Theater
Jerusalem Theater will host the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra together with the Israel Broadcasting Authority and conductor Frederick Shazlan.
Where: Henry Crown Hall, Jerusalem Theater
When: 9:30 pm
For tickets call Tel. 1-700-70-4000.
Student Union Independence Day Party
This party will feature Israel’s most popular DJ’s that will get you dancing into the night. With stellar views of the Old City Walls – absolutely magical!
Where: Alrov Mamilla Avenue – Upper Level
When: 10:30 pm
Get Tickets!
Yom Haatzmaut Day Events — April 19, 2018
In case this is your first Yom Haatzmaut in Israel, you may as well be warned that an amazingly large amount of barbequing takes place on this important day. Parks and nature reserves are busy with Israelis who set up temporary homes for the day in order to grill their meat as a thanksgiving for this gift of a homeland.
If this is how you choose to celebrate Yom Haatzmaut, grab your charcoal barbeque, your nafnaf (a piece of cardboard or plastic used to fan the coals to a perfect temperature), pita, meat and salads, arrive at the park of your choice early to get a perfect location, and enjoy the Jerusalem sunshine!
If on the other hand, you’re looking for other ways to take in the day, there are plenty of events and many cultural institutions are open for free or with a minimum entrance fee.
Yom Haatzmaut Eve Events — April 18, 2018
The celebrations around Jerusalem start Monday evening, and almost anywhere you go in the city, you’re sure to find some kind of event or party.
Be sure to dress warmly since Jerusalem’s evenings can be chilly. And at midnight, look towards Independence Park (next to King George and Agron streets) for fireworks.
Torch-lighting Ceremony
The official Independence Day ceremony that kicks off the festivities with the lighting of twelve beacons, one for each tribe of Israel. The ceremony will feature ceremonial units, Yizkor prayer, words by Chairman of the Knesset, torch-lighting, transfer of flags ceremony, military parade, singing of the hymn, the IDF disabled veterans’ band, other military bands, and poetry reading. Entry by invitation only.
Where: Mount Herzl, Jerusalem
When: 7:45 pm
Festive prayers at the Western Wall
Festive prayers at the Western Wall followed by dancing with live music.
Where: The Western Wall, Old City, Jerusalem
When 8:00 pm
Cost: Free
Alternative Party at the Tower of David Museum
Photo: Studio Eyal Gur
The Tower of David Museum will host the annual alternative party with a wide variety of live performances and music, including live performances, dancing events and much more.
Where: The Tower of David Museum, Old City, Jerusalem
When 8:30 pm
Cost: 70-80 NIS
Celebrating 70 Years of Independence at Cats Square
Live performances at the main stage in Cats Square will begin at 10:00 pm and include some of the best Israeli rock and groove artists.
Fireworks will be launched at 10:30 pm and at midnight from the nearby Independence Park.
Where: Cats Square, Jerusalem
When: April 18, 2018 at 9:00 pm
Sing & Dance for Independence at Safra Square
Safra Square festivities will begin with a series of live music performances followed by a public folk dancing event.
Where: Safra Square, Jerusalem
When: April 18, 2018, 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Free entrance
Independence Party – Nocturno Live
Nocturno Live is keeping up its annual tradition of a crazy all-night Independence Day party – check it out!
Where: 7 Betzalel Street, Jerusalem
When: April 18, 2018 at 10:00 pm
Cost: Free
Never Resting – Party at the BeerBazzar
We also recommend checking Machane Yehuda Market. The BeerBazaar bar is hosting a serious celebration with a special set by DJ Zohar and the best Israeli microbreweries.
Where: 3 Etz Chain Street, Machane Yehuda Market, Jerusalem
When: 9:00 pm
Cost: Free
Night Concerts at Independence Park
The main stage will feature live performances by Avi Messika, Shay Cohen, Yossi Azulay, Liron Amram, Balkan Beat Box, and Lior Narkis. Led by Elad Immadi.
Fireworks shows at 10:30 pm and 12:00 am.
Where: Independence Park, City Center, Jerusalem
When: 10:00 pm
Cost: Free
Celebrate Independence Day at Teddy Park
This celebration will include the Independence Day prayer and public singing and dancing into the night. Special guests: Daniel Zakkai and Alma Zohar.
When: 7:00 pm
Cost: Free. Based on availability.
Independence Day at The First Station
The First Station is thrilled to host Independence Day events with a special ceremony by Kehilat Kol Haneshama – a reform Jewish congregation based in Jerusalem. Following the celebration, a festive evening prayer will be read.
Where: 4 David Remez Street, Jerusalem
When: 6:00 pm
Cost: Free
Family Day at The Israel Museum
Israel Museum welcomes the whole family to join a proper Independence Day celebration with hora dancing performances for all ages by local dance troupes, public folk dancing at 11:00 am – 2:00 pm, and a live musical performance by Amir Shraiber and the Israeli Groove. The band will be performing at 11:30 am, 12:30 pm, and 2:00 pm.
Where: The Israel Museum, 11 Derech Ruppin Street, Jerusalem
When: 10:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: Free for children. Adults – 20 NIS; Seniors – 10 NIS
Contact: 02-6708811
Jerusalem Jubilee Celebrations at Tower of David Museum
Photo: Courtesy of Tower of David Museum PR
Celebrate Jerusalem’s jubilee with free activities for the whole family centered around the symbol of Jerusalem and the symbol of the State of Israel. You’ll find guidance stations, games, theater spectacles, and live music. A special Independence Day show will take place at 4:00 pm – 5:30 pm. See you there!
Where: Tower of David Museum, Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem
When: Activities: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm. Museum Hours: 10:00 am – 5:30 pm
Cost: Free admission. Based on availability.
Jerusalem Time Elevator
Photo: Courtesy of Jerusalem Time Elevator
Celebrate Independence Day by going back in time! Before you go on and explore the city’s beautiful landmarks, hop into the Jerusalem Time Elevator and get a quick tour around the complex and exceptionally rich history of the lovely city of Jerusalem. You can also choose to take the “I Jerusalem” virtual tour and visit Machane Yehuda Market, see the city from a bird’s eye view, and understand the history, the culture, and of course – the people.
Where: 6 Yizhak Kariv Mamilla Avenue, Jerusalem
Cost: Regular – 54 NIS; Soldiers: 27 NIS
Bloomfield Science Museum
Photo: Courtesy of Bloomfield Science Museum
Check out the Independence Day festivities at the Bloomfield Science Museum built around the theme of “thinking outside the box”. Visit a cardboard art exhibition, participate in cardboard design and building workshops for kids, enjoy the “Cartonella” show, and watch a fascinating 3D movie. You can experience it all at a reduced admission fee in honor of the holiday!
Where: Bloomfield Science Museum, Museum Row, Givat Ram, Jerusalem
When: From 10:00 am to 6:00 pm
Cost: Regular – 10 NIS; Free for children under 5 years of age. Film – 5 NIS
Free Guided Tours at Begin Center
Photo: Courtesy of Menachem Begin Heritage Center
How much do you know about Israel’s history? Take advantage of this special day and enjoy a free tour for the whole family at the Menachem Begin Heritage Center. During this incredible tour, you will be exposed to the rich life of one the country’s most influential leaders – Menachem Begin. Please register in advance.
Where: 6 S.A. Nachon Street, Jerusalem
When: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm
Cost: Free
Bible Lands Museum
Join a true independence celebration at the Bible Lands Museum and enjoy 6 different tours for the whole family between 10:15 am – 2:00 pm. While you’re here, watch a live show with Sarale Sharon at 11:00 am, and don’t forget to visit “Gods, Heroes & Mortals in Ancient Greece” exhibition.
Where: 21 Shmuel Stephen Wise Street, Jerusalem
When: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: Free
Agnon House – For Families
This year is all about “drawing in books” at Agnon House. Come and celebrate Independence Day with a wide range of family-friendly activities.
- Theatrical Tours at 10:00 am – 12:00 pm
- Discussion with Author Nurit Zarchi and Illustrator Hila Chavkin at 12:00 pm – 1:00 pm
- Illustration, caricature, and comics workshops at 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
- Illustrated theater “Chachamim Balayla” and open event at 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
Where: Agnon House, 16 Klauzner Street, Jerusalem
When: From 10:00 am to 3:00 pm
Cost: Free
Contact: *2967
Traffic, Transportation and Parking on Yom Ha’atzmaut Eve & Day
For information and details about parking and traffic during Memorial Day Eve and Israel’s Memorial Day, please call 106 municipality call center or call *8787 for CallKav call center.
Photos by: Mel Brickman and Dor Kedmi