YOM HA’ATZMAUT
(Israel Independence Day) HOLIDAY HUB
Craft Ideas, Recipes, Music Videos, Events, Cooking Videos, and more to help your family celebrate together or apart.
Yom Ha'atzmaut, or Israel Independence Day commemorates the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948. In Israel, Jewish people celebrate the holiday with fireworks, barbecues, and public concerts. Outside Israel, Jewish communities host parties and gatherings to celebrate. Often, the focus of these events is on Israeli culture, everything from classic Israeli foods to Israeli dance, Israeli music, and all things Hebrew. People wear blue and white and wave Israeli flags. You can celebrate Yom Ha'atzmaut by trying Israeli foods, listening to music, and learning about Israel.
Yom Ha’atzmaut is marked each year on the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar, which is the Hebrew date of the formal establishment of the State of Israel. This year, Yom Ha’aztmaut will begin in the evening on Wednesday, May 4, 2022 and end on the evening on Thursday, May 5, 2022. Yom Ha’atzmaut in Israel is always preceded by Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers, honoring the sacrifice that has made Israel’s existence possible.
*Adapted from PJLibrary.com and myjewishlearning.com
YOM HA'ATZMAUT EVENTS
COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
In person at the JCA – 1342 Congress St., Portland
Sunday May 1st | 3:00 PM ET
Free | All are welcome
Join us for Israeli folk dancing with Barbara Merson, a children’s singalong with Cantor Sheila Nesis, kids’ crafts, and delicious free falafel from the Falafel Mafia food truck.
Please note:
- Advanced registration required by Friday, 4/29
- No large bags, backpacks or duffels
- Proof of vaccination required for all attendees age 12+
- Face masks required for attendees age 2+ at all times, except for in the designated eating area
Please see the JCA COVID policy before visiting
WOMEN ON THE FRONT LINES - Inside the Combat Units of the Israeli Army
A Zoom discussion with photographer Debbie Zimelman
Sunday, May 1st | 5:00 PM ET
Advanced registration required by Friday 4/29 to receive the Zoom link.
Women on the Front Lines is the first and only photography book offering an insiders’ view, sharing an intimate glimpse of the lives of women who serve in the Israeli army’s combat units. The photographs are accompanied by descriptions – in the soldiers’ own words – of their fears, challenges, and accomplishments. The book is a culmination of five years of photographing and interviewing female soldiers from over 20 IDF units.
Debbie has been a portrait photographer in Israel for 25 years, where she resides.
ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY VIRTUAL FILM FESTIVAL
Presented by the JCA and the Maine Jewish Film Festival in partnership with Menemsha Films
May 4-9, 2022
Festival Pass (9 films): $50 | $40 with discount code
Enter our exclusive discount code for 20% off: MAINEIID
Celebrate Israel with six nights of exclusive, award-winning films, available to view from the comfort of home via your TV, computer or mobile devices.
Your ticket purchase provides limited-time access to this series of 9 films, plus exclusive filmmaker discussions and more, with new content added each night of the festival.
This series is available throughout North America, in partnership with film festivals, synagogues and Jewish organizations across the U.S. and Canada. Enter the special promo code provided by your local organization at checkout to receive a discount and support your local community!