Yom Haatzmaut 2023 Events in Jerusalem
Yom Haatzmaut 2023 events will take place between April 25-26. 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 that 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 celebrates the 74-th year of the State of Israel.
Traditionally it is held on the fifth of the Hebrew month of Iyar. This year it falls on the evening of May 4, and celebrations last until the evening of May 5.
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!. Many leisure places offer various festivities for a symbolic fee, or free of charge completely.
Yom Haatzmaut 2022 Events
Yom Haatzmaut Eve Events — May 4, 2022
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.
Where: The Western Wall, Old City, Jerusalem
When 8:00 pm
Cost: Free
A special concert of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra
Independence Day Concert (Photo credits: Daniel Sharif, Christoph Fein)
The Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra invites you to a special concert honoring the Independence Day of Israel, conducted by the orchestra’s musical director, maestro Steven Sloane.
Additional details – on the full event page >>
When? 9:30 PM
Where? Henry Crown Hall at the Jerusalem Theater
Celebrating Independence Eve at the Safra Square Stage
The Jerusalem Municipality invites you to join a fun night at Safra Square, hosted by Moti Francis. What’s the plan?
9:00-9:40 PM – Shimi Tavori
9:40-10:30 PM – Phasa Band
10:30-11:10 PM – Ricky Gal
11:20-Midnight – Tislam
Dancing from midnight to 3 AM – Gadi Biton
The entrance is free of charge!
Independence Party – Nocturno Live
Nocturno Live is keeping up its annual tradition to celebrate Independence night in full swing. This year, expect crazy independence parties with celebrations and endless laughs – a combination of stand-up shows and stunning stage performances.
Where: 7 Betzalel Street, Jerusalem
When: 10:00 PM
Celebrating Independence at the Independence Garden
Elad Amadi will host the Independence Eve event that will be held at the Independence Garden, with performances by the best artists, with non-stop music and dancing!
9:20 PM – Eden Elena
10:30 PM – Idan Amdi
11:40 PM – Shlomi Shabbat
00:20 AM – Ella Lee
1:20 AM – Shiri Maimon
2:10 AM – Zehava Ben
The entrance is free of charge!
Independence celebrations at the old Hamashbir plaza
You may also enjoy some more music and joy At the old Hamashbir plaza on King George Street, free of charge!
10:30 PM – Quarter to Africa
11:30 PM – Carolina
00:30 AM – Jumbo J
1:20 AM – Red Band
2:00 AM – Full Trunk
Old Hamashbir Square, King George 20
Traffic, Transportation, and Parking on Independence Day and Even
For information and details about parking and traffic during Independence Day and Eve, please call 106 municipality call center or call *8787 for CallKav call center.
Independence Day Events — MAY 5, 2022
Independence Day at Ammunition Hill
The Ammunition Hill site is open and gives an opportunity to enjoy a new Parachute Patrol exhibition! And Independence Day is the best occasion to visit the Ammunition Hill Heritage Center, and this time you may also visit the IDF parking lot that will exhibit numerous advanced military vehicles, modern weapons, night vision devices, drones, communication devices, special military dogs presentation and more.
The visitors will be able to experience some of the equipment and observe through binoculars and special means of observation.
At the center itself, there are numerous activities available to you:
- Open guided tours for the public, free of charge, every hour, from 9 AM to 3 PM.
- An open display is available for the public from 9 AM to 3 PM.
- Screening of heritage films at the exhibition hall.
- Extreme sports challenges and experiences – omega, rope bridge, climbing wall, and more – for a small fee. You’ll be able to buy tickets on-site.
Where: 5 Zalman Shragai St, Jerusalem
When: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
Independence Day activities at the Biblical Zoo and Israel Aquarium
Visiting the Biblical Zoo (Photo: PR Biblical Zoo)
Join guided tours at the Biblical Zoo During Independence Day, in addition to the regular guided feedings of the animals and other activities.
During the tours, you’ll get to know the exhibits, listen to stories of the daily life of the zoo, and get familiar with the animal’s nutrition. An amazing experience for the whole family!
Where? Aharon Shulov 1, Jerusalem
There are guided tours at the Israel Aquarium as well, suitable for all ages. See up and close the various exhibits and marine animals who live in the aquarium and hear stories about the work of managing and operating a terrestrial aquarium
Where? Aharon Shulov 1, Jerusalem
More details on the full event page >>
The Israeli Cinema Quiz at the Jerusalem Cinematheque
From: The Band’s Visit – Meir Rajouan
The Jerusalem Cinematheque will celebrate Independence Day with a special activity: the Israeli Cinema Quiz!
Join an evening of celebrating the Israeli accomplishments in the world of film, hosted by the director Alon Gur Arieh. On the occasion of the 74th Independence Day Celebrations, you’ll be able to participate in a one-of-a-kind trivia event for all cinema lovers – a festive quiz that will check how well you know, cherish and love the Israeli cinema and its history, important works, and the meaningful events that accompanied and shaped the Israeli culture.
The quiz grants prizes and is open to the public. The evening will also include musical recordings and bits from Israeli films.
Where? Hebron Road 11, Jerusalem
When? 6 PM
The Hurva Synagogue and the Burnt House will be open to the wide public free of charge
Photo courtesy of the Jewish Quarter Archives
The Company for the Reconstruction and Development of the Jewish Quarter in the Old City of Jerusalem will make the Hurva Synagogue available for the wide public – free of charge during Independence Day, May 5th. Come visit this unique attraction that will introduce you to the story of renewing the Ashkenazi Jewish settlement in Jerusalem.
A visit to a magnificent synagogue is also a time travel experience to another era in history…
Where? The Jews street 89, Jerusalem
When? 10 AM – 6 PM
The Burnt House will be open as well free of charge – visit a unique attraction that will take you back in time, to the house of the Kathros family who lived in Jerusalem when it was taken down and burnt by the Romans. The Burnt House is kept with its burning marks, it’s a spectacular representation of the past, preserving the Jewish History of the city.
Where? Karaite Street 2, Jerusalem
When? 10 AM – 6 PM
Celebrating the Independence at the Escape Park of Mishkenot Sha’ananim Windmill
Escape Park: a fun experience at the windmill complex (photo courtesy of Zuzu Tourism).
Come to discover the secrets of Moshe Montefiore’s legacy in the Escape Park of the renewed windmill complex! During the game, you’ll receive a locked treasure chest, a map, and the letter from Montefiore himself – everything you need to solve the puzzle. A fun experience for all ages, families, and groups.
Additionally, you can have a fun experience of milling wheat to flour in the millstone technique, which bring you closer to the heritage of this famous windmill.
Where? Mishkenot Sha’ananim
Celebrating Independence Day at the Bible Lands Museum – public singing
The Bible Lands Museum will celebrate the 74 Yom Haatzmaut with a sweeping performance of public singing with Sarale. The event is a tradition already at the museum, accompanied by tours of the various galleries of the museum, following the footsteps of people, nations, and cultures of the ancient lands, along with a captivating sound experience at the “Back to the Origin” exhibitions – an opportunity to get familiar with ancient birds. The exhibition was created by the students of the Academic College “Emuna”.
Where: 21 Shmuel Stephen Wise Street, Jerusalem
When: 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
Cost: Free
An Independent Theatrical tour at Jaffa Street
A tour of the Jaffa Road (Photo: D-Guide)
Join a fascinating independent tour with D-guide and actors of the Beit Mazia theater that will take you on a Jerusalem journey along Jaffa Street, between two sides of the train, on the seam between the ultra-Orthodox and the secular world.
During the tour, we’ll visit the houses of colorful characters, listen to fascinating stories, observe historical buildings, accompanied by actors, on an extraordinary independent tour for the whole family,
More Details and registration on the full tour page >>
When? Throughout the day-to-day
Independent and virtual tours of BeeTravel
Photo: Doron Yosha
Do you want to use your day off on Independence to the fullest? There are quite a few tours that you can be a part of – on your way and style.
We all have our own way of traveling and with the independent tours of Bee Travel you’ll be able to do just that: visit the Old City, stop by the hummus restaurants, join theatrical tours around the neighborhoods, play treasure hunting, and more – guided by virtual guidance that will follow you, in your own pace.