65 Years of Israel- capturing the Israeli essence (Part 2)

By Noga Gur-Arieh
Published on April 17, 2013

65 Years of Israel- capturing the Israeli essence (Part 1)

By Noga Gur-Arieh
Published on April 16, 2013

Anti-Semitic camp calls for overthrow of Poland on republic’s Independence Day

Published on November 13, 2012

Young Polish nationalists and anti-Semitic extreme rightists called for the overthrow of Poland at the republic's Independence Day march.

Should Jews celebrate the Fourth of July?

By Brad A. Greenberg
Published on July 5, 2012

Netanyahu, Peres hail U.S. friendship, leadership on Independence Day

Published on July 4, 2012

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in an Independence Day message that he "appreciate(s) deeply all that America has done for Israel."

June 30 - July 6

By Ryan Torok
Published on June 27, 2012

When Jewish sisters Selma and Jenny agree to discuss their Holocaust experiences with the younger generation of Osnabrück, the German city of their youth, they’re flooded by emotions and memories. Back home in Paris, the 80-something sisters open up about the anti-Semitism that colored their past as they cook in the kitchen together. Written by Helene Cixous and directed by Georges Bigot. Don’t miss tonight’s U.S. premiere. Sat. Through July 28. 7 p.m. $20 (general), $15 (students and seniors). Ivy Substation, 9070 Venice Blvd., Culver City. (310) 838-4264. theactorsgang.com.

Happily, the Independence Day battle is far from over

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on June 13, 2012

The great Independence Day debate: Letter 7

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on June 11, 2012

The great Independence Day debate: Letter 6

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on June 8, 2012

The great Independence Day debate: Letter 4

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on June 3, 2012

Building bridges between young U.S. Jews, Israelis

By Shmuel Rosner
Published on May 15, 2012

Socio-psychologist Bethamie Horowitz, a professor in the Steinhardt School at NYU and author of the study “Defining Israel Education,” discusses American Jewry’s connection to Israel.

24 Hours in Tel Aviv

By Masa Israel Journey
Published on September 20, 2011

On Independence Day, a reminder about Gilad Shalit

Published on May 10, 2011

As Israelis celebrated the country's 63rd Independence Day, they had much more on their minds than barbecues and fireworks. The carefully crafted theme of the day, "Looking after one another -- the year of mutual care," raised the hackles of some Israelis who do not believe the state is looking after everyone.

Shalit’s brother shouts at Independence Day ceremony: Gilad is still alive

Published on May 9, 2011

Yoel Shalit, brother of abducted Israel Defense forces soldier Gilad Shalit clashed with police on Monday as he was escorted out of the official 63rd Independence Day ceremony at Mount Herzl for shouting during the speeches.

Israel begins Independence Day celebrations

Published on May 9, 2011

A day of national mourning turned to celebration as Israel marked the beginning of its Independence Day. Celebrations began Monday evening, when the state flag was raised from half to full mast during a national ceremony at Mount Herzl.

Yom HaAtzmaut special: California on Hebrew [VIDEO]

Published on May 9, 2011

KassemJEW is on the streets of Westwood to talk to Angelenos about Israel Independence Day. Happy Yom Ha'Atzmaut!

Petition requests break between Memorial, Independence days

Published on May 9, 2011

Bereaved families and their supporters have signed a petition calling for a break between Memorial Day and Independence Day.

Dancing in Rabin Square

Published on May 4, 2011

I have danced in Rabin Square! That’s a major happening in Tel Aviv the night of Yom HaAtzmaut, Independence Day in Israel. I have bounced my noise-making hammer off my fellow dancers all around me. That is also a major happening on Independence Day. I have no idea what the symbolic meaning of those plastic hammers is, but they are everywhere on Independence Day. The day before, I have stood silently by my car in the middle of a busy roadway. For miles and miles I could see the cars stopped and the people standing at attention. They were answering the call of remembrance signaled by the sirens heard all over the State of Israel. We stood to honor all those heroes who had fallen while defending this land of freedom, redemption, and incredible opportunity. Yes, I have danced many times in Rabin Square to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, but this Independence Day, it is different.

Remembering the Fallen

By Teddy Weinberger
Published on April 11, 2002

The day before Israel's Independence Day is Yom HaZikaron Lechalelay Tsahal (Memorial Day for the Fallen of the Israel Defense Forces), which this year begins on Monday night April 15.

It is characteristically Jewish to place Memorial Day right before Independence Day. Whereas in the Catholic tradition, for example, you have the exuberant Mardi Gras before the austere Lent, in Judaism, you have the Fast of Esther precede the gaiety of Purim, and the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) a few days before Succot, traditionally, the happiest of Jewish holidays.

Sunday in the Park

By Michael Aushenker
Published on May 3, 2001

Maybe the post-apocalyptic parking situation was a tip-off. The overcapacity of automobiles surrounding Woodley Park seemed to confirm that this year's Israeli Independence Day Festival outdid itself in terms of spectacle and attendance. An estimated 50,000 attended, festival director Yoram Gutman confirmed, making this year's festival the biggest yet. As Gutman told The Journal, "There are so many Israelis who live in the Valley, so maybe that has something to do with it. I never saw so many Persian Jews and American Jews."