Israel’s Independence Day, or Yom Ha’atzma’ut in Hebrew, is celebrated in today’s Doodle. Israelis commemorate the signing of the Proclamation Establishing the State of Israel annually on the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Lyar. On May 14, 1948, the nation gave the document a public reading, officially announcing its independence.
Festivities start off with a state service the prior night Freedom Day. The ceremony of lighting twelve torches, which represent the twelve tribes of Israel, takes place after speeches are delivered by government officials at Mount Herzl. People gather in Jerusalem the following day to watch parades and fireworks.
Israel’s national flag, depicted in today’s Doodle, is carried by soldiers to form Israeli symbols like a Menorah. It flies high across the nation. The flag has two blue stripes running horizontally and a Star of David in the middle.
Israel, happy Independence Day!