Independance

Expats celebrate July 4 in Israel while reflecting on identity, belonging, and home

Thousands of American immigrants in Israel mark US Independence Day with barbecue, music, and gratitude, even as some say their identities are shifting

 Kedem Yomtov (left) and Gidon Land (right), with Gush Etzion Brewstillery.
 Israeli children play with Israeli flags ahead of Israel's 77th Independence Day, at "Kobi kindergarden" in Moshav Yashresh, on April 29, 2025.

Reclaiming our peoplehood: How to prepare Jewish youth for the future

 Terror poster made by Jenin News Network.

'All you have to do is burn': Hamas calls to set fires in Jerusalem, West Bank

A helicopter carrying released Israeli hostage, Agam Berger, a soldier who was seized from her army base in southern Israel during the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, arrives at at Beilinson Schneider complex in Petah Tikva, Israel, January 30, 2025.

'We are entering a centuries-long War of Independence,' retired IDF general says


Critical voices aren't fooling anyone with silence and backhanded compliments - opinion

The contentious messages and loaded silence of Jewish groups who criticise Israel, including APN and J Street, are concerning.

 BARBECUING AT Sacher Park in Jerusalem on Independence Day last Tuesday: It was disappointing that some prominent individuals in the Jewish world couldn’t bring themselves to offer even superficial greetings to the Jewish state on its 76th birthday, says the writer.

A tale of two leaders: The Paris meetings between Ben-Gurion and Ho Chi Minh

In the post-WWII world, two dedicated men had found themselves in a Parisian hotel room, drawn together by history and the common bond of their enduring fight for their people’s freedom.

 (L-R) Hồ Chí Minh in Paris, 1946; Portrait of Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion, 1949

Celebration amid national pain and loss on Independence Day 2024 - opinion

We must remember that we remain a nation that deserves to take pride in its achievements and people and that, with God’s blessing, we will see far better days.

 PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu applauds the top finishers at the Bible Contest held at the Jerusalem Theatre on Independence Day, last year. It’s one of the events appropriate to take place this year, says the writer.

Jerusalem hosts 'Living Museum' on Independence Day to honor Oct. 7 victims

The event, scheduled from 3 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. in the city center, promises an immersive experience, blending reenactments, music, and remembrance in honor of those who have shaped the nation.

 The 'Living Museum' was organized by the Jerusalem Municipality.

Israel’s Independence Day is a time for mourning and celebration - Opinion

Challenging traditional Jewish mourning practices during the Omer, exploring their historical development and significance in Jewish time.

 WHILE REMEMBRANCE Day this year seems appropriate for the somber national mood, the usually high-spirited Independence Day celebrations are raising far more controversy.

Singer Idan Amedi explains choice behind refusing Independence Day honor

The singer surprised everybody when he politely refused the tempting offer, and now he explains why.

 Israeli singer-songwriter Idan Amedi speaks during a protest of Right-wing demonstrators against the Israeli government's planned judicial overhaul, in Jerusalem, on March 11, 2023