Independence Day

Two human rights groups recognize global significance of Israel’s Declaration of Independence 

Recognition comes amid rising attacks on Zionism since October 7 and ahead of Israel’s Independence Day 

Ambassador Oren Rozenblat receives the recognition from Dr. Luis Andrade.
Hana Laszlo walks the red carpet ahead of a movie showing at the 77th Venice Film Festival, September 2020; illustrative.

'Very difficult for me': Actress Hana Laszlo decides to not carry Independence Day torch

Argentinian President Javier Milei and Israeli President Isaac Herzog tour in Kibbutz Nir Oz, southern Israel, February 8, 2024.

President Herzog to award Argentina's Javier Milei with Presidential Medal of Honor

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.

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


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.

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.

Holding the bitter and the sweet: Remembrance and Independence Day 2024 - opinion

In these moments, we can try to view these emotions not as conflicting but as parallel emotions. 

 MANCHESTER STREET scene: A notoriously rainy region.

The Left's attempts to ruin Independence Day thankfully failed - opinion

Whilst the hard left rejected Independence Day, most Israelis set out into Israel’s streets and parks to celebrate.

 CELEBRATING INDEPENDENCE Day in Tel Aviv: Fortunately, most Israelis clearly rejected the rejectionist, dangerously debilitating narrative, and set out into Israel’s streets and parks to mark the day, the writer asserts.

Grapevine, May 17, 2024: Power of the press

Movers and shakers in Israeli society.

 PRIME MINISTER Benjamin Netanyahu with wounded soldiers at Sheba Medical Center.

Lack of leadership in Israel is undermining the Gaza war - opinion

It is time that Netanyahu recognizes the gravity of this moment in time and does what is right or steps aside, calls for early elections, and allows the Israeli people to decide who will lead them.

 PRESIDENT ISAAC Herzog is flanked by IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at an event for outstanding soldiers at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem on Independence Day.

We will bow our heads, but stand tall - Opinion

It's time for us to accept the covenant of destiny and build our second independence.

 Nerya Meir

Navy Independence Day flotilla pays tribute to October 7 victims

This year, a record number and variety of vessels of different sizes, from small boats to large yachts, took part.

 Independence flotilla honoring the victims of October 7, May 14, 2024.