Source-The-Times-of-Israel
Every year, the Independence Day in Israel is the one day filled with joy and celebration. It is the day when Israeli artists make enough money to enjoy a nice vacation for a few months. But Israel’s 76th Independence Day will have a gray cloud lurking over, where the people will take a more toned-down approach to their celebrations. This subdued celebration comes in the light of the events that took place on October 7th, remembering the hostages in Gaza, the fallen and the displaced ones. Consequently, the Independence Day air force flyover, one of the most sought after events is also reported to be cancelled.
Most of the municipalities and the local councils have decided to cut down on their celebrations. This has also led to the cancellation of some of the boisterous mega star performances, the traditional fireworks displays and many other ritualistic celebrations, considering the post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of the community.
Here is a look at how different cities around the country are planning on celebrating Israel’s 76th Independence Day.
1. Jerusalem
Jerusalem city has planned a special celebration, where the Remembrance Day ceremony and Independence Day Prayer for English speakers of the OU Organization – which is for absorbing English-speaking immigrants in Israel – will hold a transitional ceremony. This ceremony will mark the end of the Remembrance Day at Bell Park. Following this, a special prayer will be led by Shlomo Katz.
The Jerusalem municipality usually offers a public Hebrew prayer and a singing event. This event, the Atzma’utah – Independence Event, will take place between the Remembrance Day and Independence Day. It is said to begin around 6:30 PM in Teddy Park.
In the meantime, Safra Square will hold a public sing-along performance, which will be led by the queen of singing, Einat Sarouf, and hosted by Motti Francis. The event is said to start at 9:00 PM. Following that, Miki Gavrielov, famous Israeli singer and songwriter will perform, commemorating Arik Einstein.
For others who wish to celebrate a classical music concert, Yulian Rachlin is said to conduct and perform in a special Independence Day concert of the Jerusalem Symphony Orchestra One, One, One, with the famous cellist Daniel Akta. Daniel Akta is all set to perform Haydn’s Cello Concerto No. 1.
2. Tel Aviv
The Tel Aviv-Yafo Municipality will celebrate Israel’s 76th Independence Day with a series of planned community events. These celebrations have barred any display of fireworks, and will adopt a community-oriented format.
Following the broadcast of the Torch Lighting Ceremony in Menachem Begin Park, a performance by children’s star Rinat Gabay and the local bands is scheduled, post which will be a performance by the local youth groups.
In Davidoff Park, the community is all set to participate in the “Yellow Hearts Compound” which is a special space for supporting the hostages and missing soldiers, with a big chain made of yellow heart-shaped origami.
The torch ceremony is also said to broadcast there, and then will be followed by a performance by the “Cloud on a Stick” band. At the Sde Dov Garden, an evening of community singing will take place, which is said to feature Idan Bartal with other local youth bands.
At Gordon Beach in the city, the public is invited for a night of dancing led by Shlomo Maman and Andre Shor.
Apart from this in Tel Aviv, the Anu Museum of the Jewish People has invited the general public for the event “We are Israelis,” where the Museum is set to launch a new tour called “Between Dream and Fulfillment,” – the Land of Israel throughout the millennia-long journey of the Jewish people. Along with this new tour, there will also be new activities for the families, which also include a family puzzle route and a photo station.
On the Independence Day that is on May 14th 2024 the admission to the museum will be free by advance reservation.
3. Herzliya
In the city of Herzliya, Israel’s 76th Independence Day is said to be celebrated in a communal and symbolic spirit. This will include events at the community centers, performances for children, and many other recreational activities. For teenagers, the municipality will mainly offer dance venues with DJs.
The Independence Day fleet that departs from Herzliya Marina will be paying tribute to the naval fighters and will dedicate itself to supporting the victims of the October 7th 2024 events. This includes the victims that were abducted, wounded, the bereaved families and also the IDF soldiers.
With hundreds of boats, the flotilla will sail from the marina, head north along the coast, and then navigate south to the shores of Tel Aviv. This fleet will be adorned with yellow ribbons in support of and solidarity with the families of the October 7 victims, along with Israeli Flags. It is said to start on Tuesday, 10:30 AM.
With a low tone to the celebrations, Israel’s 76th Independence Day is all set to pay tribute to the victims of events that took place on October 7th. These are just some of the preparations in order for the celebrations, stay tuned for more updates.
