Yom Haatzmaut 2020 Events in Jerusalem
Yom Haatzmaut 2020 events will take place between April 28-29. 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 71st birthday!
Yom Haatzmaut is held on the fifth of the Hebrew month of Iyar. This year it falls on the evening of May 8, 2019 and celebrations last until the evening of May 9, 2019.
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!
Yom Haatzmaut 2019 Events
Yom Haatzmaut Eve Events — May 8, 2019
Torch-lighting Ceremony – Mount Herzl
The annual 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 accompanied by dancing with live music.
Where: The Western Wall, Old City, Jerusalem
When 8:00 pm
Cost: Free
Independence Party at the Tower of David Museum
The Tower of David Museum will host the annual alternative party. The party will feature workshops, dancing, and a live music performance by Tiny Fingers with Shai Ben Tzur.
Where: The Tower of David Museum, Old City, Jerusalem
When 8:30 pm
Get tickets in advance!
Live Music & Parties
Independence Park at 9:30 PM
Hosted by El’ad Amedi
Performing Artist: Michael Grailsummer, Or Ben Atar, Moti Taka, HaTikva 6, Dudu Aharon & Sarit Hadad
Fireworks at 10:30 PM & midnight
Kikar Zion (Zion Square) at 9:30 PM
Hosted by DJ Yinon Shazo
Performing Artists: Eti Levi, Regev Hod, Rafael Dahan & Eden VePritzat Disk band.
Street Parties at 10:00 PM
23 Jaffa Street Techno House: DJ Noya, DJ Maor Reuven, DJ Elior Elimelech
32 Jaffa Street Freestyle: DJ Shlomi, DJ Yael Blau, DJ Roi Bracha
Ben Yehuda Street Israeli Dance Part: DJ Barak Capiloto, DJ Tamix, DJ Yuval Zach
VIDEOART@SOUND
Sound & video screenings in the City Center. Experience sound, color and life as you wander through historic building.
Sing & Dance Independence at Safra Square
Safra Square celebrations will kick off with a series of live shows and continue to a mass dance of Israel’s greatest folk dances. Musicians Dani Sandarson and Inbal Greshkovitz will perform live, and dance instructors such as Ilan Swisa, Hila Mokdesi and Yossi Miyara will make sure we dance our way to independence. Don’t miss!
Free entry
When: 9:30 PM – 3:30 AM
Safra Square, Jerusalem
Atzmauta 2019
Join a mass Independence Day prayer and sing-along in front of the walls of the Old City!
6:30 PM – Teddy Park Hutzot Hyotzer
6:30 PM – Songs between remembrance and independence
7:00 PM – Independence Day prayer with Haverim LeNigun
8:00 PM – Mass sing-along with Sharim Bagina
Afterparty with DJ Balaboosta
Free entry. Based on availability. Accessible event.
YOM HAATZMAUT DAY EVENTS — MAY 9, 2019
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: 10:00 PM
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 and the best public folk dancing at 11:00 am – 2:00 pm!
While you’re there visit the museum and check out some of the most fascinating galleries and exhibitions in the world.
Where: The Israel Museum, 11 Derech Ruppin Street, Jerusalem
JERUSALEM 71ST ANNIVERSSERY CELEBRATIONS AT TOWER OF DAVID MUSEUM
Tower of David Museum celebrated Jerusalem’s 71st birthday and you’re welcome to join! The museum will host a variety of free fun activities:
- Take guided/self-guided tours for families and learn about the symbols of the State of Israel and the symbol of Jerusalem.
- Enjoy a hilarious and inspiring show – “Jerusalem That’s in the Heart” – with actor Golan Azulay. The show focuses on Jerusalem and how it used to be and how it is that it used to feel versus how it is now and how it is that one feels in it. The show is 1 h long and it starts at 4:30 PM.
- Families with children, young adults, and seniors – everyone is invited!
- Last admission at 4:30 PM.
Where: Tower of David Museum, Jaffa Gate, Jerusalem
When: Museum Hours: 10:00 am – 4:30 pm
Cost: Free admission. Based on availability.
JERUSALEM TIME ELEVATOR
Photo: Courtesy of Jerusalem Time Elevator
Catch 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 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
INDEPENDENCE DAY AT AMMUNITION HILL
Photo: Courtesy of Ammunition Hill Site
On independency day entry and activities will be free of charge at the Ammunition Hill.
Activities will include guided tours, film screenings, ammunition exhibition, photography exhibition, and more.
Lectures and screening are based on availability. Contact for more details.
Where: 5 Zalman Shragai St, Jerusalem
When: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
CELEBRATIONS AT LEVI ESHKOL HOUSE
Photo: Courtesy of Beit Levi Eshkol
Beit Levi Eshkol offers an interactive experience where you will learn about the life and work of Israel’s third Prime Minister – Levi Eshkol. This year the museum, located in Eshkol’s historic house, is commemorating 50 years since the death of Levi Eshkol. Take a tour around the various stations at the house and enjoy a unique audiovisual experience where you’ll get to know the people and events that shaped Israel.
Where: 46 Ben Maymon Ave., Jerusalem
Cost: Free. Advance registration only!
FREE ADMISSION 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 go on a free self-guided 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.
In collaboration with Shimur organization and the Ministry of Culture & Sports.
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 – 1:00 pm. While you’re here, watch a live show with Sarale Sharon at 11:00 am.
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
- Discussion with Author Nurit Zarchi and Illustrator Roni Fachima at 12:00 pm
- Illustration, writing, and comics workshops at 1:00 pm
- Children’s theater show “Why did the Fish Cry?” at 1:30 pm
Where: Agnon House, 16 Klauzner Street, Jerusalem
When: From 10:00 am to 4:00 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