Independence Day

Trump, in absentia, becomes first non-Israeli to receive Israel’s top civilian honor

Trump reportedly planned to accept the prize with a videotaped address at one point, with Israel’s Education Minister officially extending the invitation in early February.

US President Donald Trump waves to the media after walking off of Air Force One at Miami International Airport on April 11, 2026 in Miami, Florida.
Israelis commemorate Remembrance Day at Tel Aviv's Dizengoff Square, April 20, 2026.

Embracing grief and joy - opinion

OU Israel Independence Day event for English-speakers at the Ramada Hotel in Jerusalem, April 21, 2026.

OU Independence Day event in Jerusalem sees about two thousand participants

FORMER HOSTAGES meet with Israeli soldiers wounded in Lebanon.

Former Gaza hostages visit wounded soldiers before Independence Day


Messages of peace feature prominently in Herzog, Sa'ar Independence Day speeches

President Isaac Herzog and Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar co-hosted the annual Independence Day reception at the President’s Residence.

Israeli president Isaac Herzog attends an event for outstanding soldiers as part of Israel’s 78th Independence Day celebrations in Jerusalem on April 20, 2026.

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 wins Israel's 78th Independence Day Bible World Quiz for Youth

The event was held at the Jerusalem Theater and recorded in advance due to the security situation, and gathered 16 outstanding young men and women from seven countries.

Hodaya Cohen and Akiva Schreier during the World Tanach Quiz 2026.

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

Malespin honored Israel’s 170 fallen soldiers over the past year, including Staff Sergeant Daniel Hamo, a fighter and paratrooper from Tiberias who fell in Gaza.

Chaim Malespin with his family.

Alcoholic Independence: Cheers to local beverages

In honor of the 78th Independence Day of the State of Israel, Mira Eitan raises a glass to the local wineries, breweries, and distilleries that turn local produce into a symbol of hope.

M&H Distillery

President Herzog honors 120 outstanding soldiers in pre-recorded Independence Day ceremony

Officials said the decision to pre-record the event was made in light of the ongoing ceasefire and the broader security situation, with attendance limited to the soldiers’ families.

President Isaac Herzog and IDF chif Eyal Zamir seen during the annual Independence Day ceremony honoring outstanding soldiers that aired on April 22, 2026.

How Could We Not Dance?

"It’s about reclaiming our right to exist in the world despite everything that they tried to take from us. Dancing becomes an act of defiance, a way of refusing to let the darkness win."

Ribbon of Return

Assisting Jews worldwide this Independence Day

As Israel celebrates its Independence Day, Danyelle Neuman, Chief Development Officer of the Jewish Agency, reflects on the organization's critical role in times of crisis.

A man waves an Israeli flag as family and supporters gather on the day former Israeli hostage Elkana Bohbot returns home after leaving the hospital, following his release from captivity in Gaza, in Mevaseret Zion, Israel, October 19, 2025

Independence Day celebrations marred by stabbings, fire as multiple Israelis injured

Several incidents across central Israel, including stabbings and a residential fire, left multiple people wounded, some critically, during Independence Day celebrations.

Magen David Adom paramedics at the scene of a stabbing in Petah Tikva, April 22, 2026.

Next to the grill: The beers that will make your Independence Day

No matter which beer style you prefer to pair with your meats this year, the main thing is that it will be Israeli.

Malka beer Habekoti