Independence Day

Former Gaza hostage Eli Sharabi reflects on Independence Day, family loss

Eli Sharabi, who survived Hamas captivity, shares his emotional journey after the October 7 massacre, revealing how Independence Day now holds deeper meaning as he honors his murdered family.

Eli Sharabi was abducted from his home in Kibbutz Be’eri during the Oct. 7, 2023 attack and survived 491 days in Hamas captivity.
Hodaya Cohen and Akiva Schreier during the World Tanach Quiz 2026.

Hodaya Cohen wins Israel's 78th Independence Day Tanach World Quiz for Youth

Chaim Malespin with his family.

‘Do not forget the fighters’: Chaim Malespin marks Israel’s 78th Independence Day

M&H Distillery

Alcoholic Independence: Cheers to local beverages


The Jerusalem Post marks 93 years as a link to Israel and the Jewish world - editorial

What began as The Palestine Post in 1932 has become a global media force. As we turn 93, our dedication to Israel and the Jewish world remains unchanged.

The first edition of "The Palestine Post," the newspaper that would become "The Jerusalem Post."

US-Israel Alliance Celebrated at Independence Day Gala Hosted by MOTJ 

US Ambassador Mike Huckabee, “Tonight we celebrate the partnership of Israel and America.”  

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyau, with his wife Sara, with MOTJ  Chairman Larry A. Mizel and Dr. Donald Sweeting

Rachel Edri, whose quick thinking saved her and her husband on Oct. 7, returns home to Ofakim

Edri has become a worldwide symbol of remarkable resourcefulness in the face of terror, as she spoke to terrorists and gained their trust, allowing police to rescue her and her husband.

 Rachel Edri attends a ceremony in honor of torch lighters of the Independence Day state ceremony, at the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, on April 28, 2025.

Independence Day ablaze: Jerusalemites find strength under fire and ash

This year’s events, though unexpected, reflected the essence of Israeli society – the day was a testament to the resilience of the Israeli people, a tale of overcoming adversity.

 Wildfires rage, with firefighters doing their valiant best.

Grapevine, May 9, 2025: Bridges of hope

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 BAR-ILAN UNIVERSITY President Prof. Arie Zaban with Dr. Miriam Adelson.

Israel's fire still burns: Reflecting on the symbolism of our remembrance days - opinion

The worst fires in modern Israeli history erupted just as our people sought to celebrate our hard-won independence.

 AERIAL VIEW of damage caused to Park Canada forest by massive wildfires, May 3

Rabbis, pastors attend Israel advocacy, Independence Day in Washington

For many of the pastors at the event, it was their first time in attendance.

Congressional Israel Allies Caucus Celebrates Independence Day on Capitol Hill Over 300 Rabbis and Pastors Gather in Washington, D.C. for Israel Advocacy Day and Independence Day Reception May 6, 2025, Washington D.C.

Israel's independence is incomplete until every hostage comes home - opinion

Jewish ethics insist that a society is judged not by its military might or economic prosperity but by how it treats its most marginalized members. This is the heart of our national mission.

 Relatives of Israelis held hostage protest outside Independence Hall in Tel Aviv, April 30, 2025

The real challenge of Israel's independence is our unity - opinion

In public discourse, instead of listening, we attack. Instead of seeing the other as someone who wants good for this country, we label them an enemy; instead of seeking to understand, we hate.

Israeli flags are seen at Mount Herzl Cemetery in Jerusalem, April 28, 2025

Israel judo coach Oren Smadja resigns after 15 years

"Precisely because judo is part of my soul, I can no longer, I can’t believe I’m saying this, but that’s it, I’m giving up and submitting my resignation," Smadja said on social media.

Oren Smadja, who coached Israel’s men’s national judo team for 15 years, stepped down citing deep concerns for the sport’s future.