Independence Day

Gal Hirsch faces backlash over Independence Day torch-lighting amid tax fraud trial

The prosecution filed charges against Hirsch and three other individuals in October 2021 for tax offenses in the "Defensive Shield" case.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Gal Hirsch, Coordinator for the Hostages and the Missing in the Prime Minister's Office hold a press conferene at the Prime Minister's office in Jerursalem, January 27, 2026.
COVID WAS the only time when Israel acted as though it were a small island with no neighbors. Pictured: Prepping a vaccine

At 78, is Israel really an independent state? - opinion

ISRAELI PRIME Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara Netanyahu attend a welcoming ceremony for Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv on February 25, 2026.

Prime Minister's wife should light Independence Day torch, Knesset member declares

US President Donald Trump gestures as he addresses House Republicans at their annual issues conference retreat, at the Kennedy Center, renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center by the Trump-appointed board of directors, in Washington, DC, US, January 6, 2026.

'Historic decision': Kisch invites Trump to attend Israel Prize ceremony on Independence Day


Released hostage Emily Damari, Oren Smadja among Independence Day ceremony torchbearers

This year's ceremony will mark Israel's 77th Independence Day with the theme "Bridges of Hope."

 British-Israeli former hostage Emily Damari poses for a photo with her mother, Mandy, after being released from Gaza where she was held since the deadly October 7 2023 attack by Hamas, at Sheba Medical Center in Ramat Gan, in this handout image obtained by Reuters on January 21, 2025.

United Hatzalah to host US envoy for Independence Day

An evening of unity, gratitude, and lifesaving heroism at the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem


Balancing mourning and memory: October 7 commemoration risks overwhelming grief - comment

The Jewish calendar blends festive and mourning days; October 7 commemorates Hamas atrocities, but excessive grief risks overwhelming the nation.

 Destroyed houses from the October 7 massacre almost a year ago, in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, southern Israel, September 19, 2024

Editors Notes: A new generation of pioneers will redefine Israel

If we don’t seize this moment to educate for a better future, we’ll revert to our old ways, and risk further trauma and division.

 T’S TIME for a new Israeli paradigm. Jewish farmers on their way to work in the fields in Palestine, 1939.

Exclusive: Benjamin Netanyahu's 4th of July message to the American people

Freedom is the most precious gift humanity will ever know. And freedom isn’t free. You have to be willing to fight for it.

 Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu; Israeli and American flags flown near the US Capitol.

The significance of first ‘Jewish July Fourth’ - opinion

The Grand Federal Procession was a milestone for America’s small Jewish community.

American and Israeli flags

For US Independence Day: Redefine Meat hits dozens of restaurants and burger joints

Israeli food-tech company Redefine Meat celebrates American Independence Day with its annual "Burger Week" from July 4-11.


Keeping hope alive as the Israel-Hamas War stretches on - comment

The current war’s main goals – destroying Hamas and returning all the hostages – have not been met after eight months. Despite the challenges, we cannot lose hope.

 President Isaac Herzog addresses the ceremony on Independence Day recognizing 120 outstanding soldiers.

Jordan marks low-key Independence Day as Gaza war continues

While Jordan has had a peace treaty with Israel for nearly 30 years, the kingdom’s identification with the Palestinian people still runs strong.

 Demonstrators carry flags and banners during a protest in support of Palestinians in Gaza, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Amman, Jordan May 24, 2024.

What's going on with Israel during the war is not normal - opinion

When we are constantly exposed to images and stories of war, famine, disaster, or other human tragedies, there is a risk that we become desensitized, experiencing what is known as compassion fatigue.

 SHANI LOUK’S father, Nissim, looks on at Shani’s funeral this week, after her body was retrieved by the IDF from the Gaza Strip. Shani was murdered on October 7 as she tried to escape the Hamas massacre at the Supernova music festival.