Yom Ha'atzma'ut, or Israeli Independence Day, celebrates Israel's declaration of independence in 1948 and is the country's official national holiday, as well as the sole official non-working day.
The Gregorian date for Israel's independence declaration is May 14th, 1948, when David Ben Gurion officially delivered the Proclamation of the Establishment of the State of Israel, marking the end of the British Mandate in Israel.
Memorial Day (Yom Hazikaron), Israel's official memory day since 1963, comes before Independence Day. In addition to the usual remembering of those who died while on active duty for their nation, the day also honours civilian victims of terrorism.
The holiday takes place on the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Lyar. If 5 Iyar occurs on a Friday or Saturday, the holiday is moved to the Thursday before it.
