Israel Independence Day 2010
By Jan Lee
Last Updated Apr 19, 2010, Published Apr 17, 2010
Flags on Yom Ha'atzmaut
Math Knight
Math Knight
Reports
Reports of antisemitism and criticism of Israel has prompted heightened interest in Israel Independence Day among individuals in Jewish communities.
Israel Independence Day has always been a popular day of celebration in North America. But 2010's celebration of the holiday, which officially takes place April 19, 2010, will include a record number of Jewish communities, who are expected to take to the streets in celebration.
Celebrations are common in North American cities with large Jewish communities like New York, Los Angeles, and Vancouver Canada where the day takes on a festive air and the date is often marked by parades musical events and fairs.
Israel Independence in 1948
Recognized in Israel as the 5th of Iyar on the Hebrew calendar, Israel Independence Day (Yom Ha'atzmaut) marks the date on which Israel was declared a nation by the Israeli Knesset in 1948. For many North Americans, Yom Ha'atzmaut is a time for showing solidarity with Israel’s right to exist and its importance as a Jewish state.Celebrations are common in North American cities with large Jewish communities like New York, Los Angeles, and Vancouver Canada where the day takes on a festive air and the date is often marked by parades musical events and fairs.
Israel, Current U.S. Policies and the Independence Day Celebration
This year however, the message of solidarity with Israel is tinged with a sense of urgency for many attendees, who fear that Washington’s support for Israel may be eroding. The Obama Administration’s recent call for Israel to review its policies of building in East Jerusalem (an area that Arab Palestinians have expressed an interest in for their capital) has chilled relations between the U.S. and Israel. The move has also angered some Jewish Americans who disagree with the administration's political stance.
Jewish groups in the U.S. have responded to the situation by amplifying their support for Israel and the right of its citizens to build homes where they choose. Communities across the U.S. have scheduled festivities for various times throughout the weeks of April 18 and April 25, 2010. Activities range from parades and Jewish cultural fairs to educational lectures and musical presentations.
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Israeli and North American Dates of Observance
In keeping with Israeli custom, because the holiday falls on a Monday in 2010, it will be celebrated on Tuesday, April 20 in Israel this year. Holidays that fall on either side of the Shabbat (Saturday) are celebrated on alternative days.Many North American communities on the other hand, have chosen to move the festivities to the weekend when public attendance would be more likely. Therefore most celebrations in the U.S. and Canada will take place on Sunday, April 25. Jewish communities throughout California, New York and Florida have planned celebrations, as have many smaller metropolitan communities.
Those interested in attending should contact their local synagogue or Jewish community center for times and locations.
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