ICH-ISRAEL
Intangible Cultural Heritage Center

Yom HaAliyah honors Aliyah, Jewish immigration to the Land of Israel, as a cornerstone of the country’s existence and development, and celebrates the contributions of new immigrants to Israeli society. The date recalls the biblical account in which Joshua led the Israelites across the Jordan River into the Promised Land on the 10th of Nisan. The day began in 2012 as a grassroots initiative of young immigrants in Tel Aviv. The Knesset made it an official national day on June 21, 2016 [2]. Because 10 Nisan falls during the Passover school vacation and Knesset recess, schools and the Knesset mark the day on 7 Cheshvan, the week of the Torah portion in which Abraham is commanded to go to the Land of Israel [2].

Yom HaZikaron laShoah ve-laGvurah, known as Yom HaShoah, is Israel’s day of remembrance for the approximately six million Jews murdered by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, and for the Jewish resistance during that period. In Israel, the day is marked by a two-minute silence at 10:00 a.m. and the lowering of flags to half-mast throughout the country [3]. The normal date is 27 Nisan, but it moves when it falls on the Sabbath. For example, it was observed on 26 Nisan in 2025 and will be observed on 28 Nisan in 2028 [3].

Yom HaZikaron LeHalalei Ma’arakhot Yisrael ul’Nifge’ei Pe’ulot HaEivah (Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism) is Israel’s official day of remembrance, enacted into law in 1963. Traditionally dedicated to fallen soldiers, it has been extended to civilian victims of terrorism [4]. Its normal date is 4 Iyar, immediately followed by Independence Day on 5 Iyar, but both days are often moved to avoid any conflict with the Sabbath [4].

Independence Day is the national day of Israel, commemorating the Declaration of Independence of May 14, 1948, which corresponded to 5 Iyar on the Hebrew calendar that year. The day is marked by official and popular ceremonies and celebrations. When 5 Iyar falls on a Friday or Saturday, the holiday is moved to the preceding Thursday. Since 2004, when 5 Iyar falls on a Monday, it is postponed to Tuesday so that Memorial Day does not begin immediately after the Sabbath [5].

Herzl Day commemorates the life and vision of Theodor Herzl, the founder of political Zionism. Under the Herzl Law, passed in June 2004, it is held every year on 10 Iyar, Herzl’s birthday [6]. A state memorial service takes place on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, and the day is marked in schools and IDF bases. The Knesset also holds a special session [6].

Jerusalem Day marks the reunification of Jerusalem during the Six-Day War in 1967. On March 23, 1998, the Knesset passed the Jerusalem Day Law, making it a national holiday [7]. The State of Israel also dedicated this day to the memory of the Ethiopian Jews (Beta Israel) who perished on their way to Israel. An estimated 4,000 died during the journey through Sudan [8].

Jabotinsky Day commemorates the life and vision of Zionist leader Ze’ev Jabotinsky. Under the Jabotinsky Law, it is held every year on 29 Tammuz, the anniversary of his death. A state memorial service takes place on Mount Herzl, and time is devoted to his work in schools and IDF bases [9]. If 29 Tammuz falls on a Sabbath, the day is held on the following Sunday [9].

Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Day commemorates the life of Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and his assassination on November 4, 1995. It was created by the Yitzhak Rabin Memorial Law, passed in 1997 [10]. By law, schools mark the day with activities on the importance of democracy and the danger that violence poses to society. If the date falls on a Friday or Saturday, it is held on the preceding Thursday [10].

Sigd is the great holiday of the Ethiopian Jewish community (Beta Israel), celebrated fifty days after Yom Kippur. It symbolizes the acceptance of the Torah and the longing for Jerusalem. In 2008, the Knesset made Sigd an official state holiday [11]. The main celebrations take place on the Armon Hanatziv Promenade overlooking the Old City of Jerusalem and at the Western Wall.

Ben-Gurion Day commemorates the life and vision of David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s first Prime Minister. Under the Ben-Gurion Law, it is held every year on 6 Kislev, the anniversary of his death [12]. If 6 Kislev falls on a Friday or Saturday, the day is held on the following Sunday [12].

This day of remembrance honors the hundreds of thousands of Jews who were forced to leave Arab countries and Iran in the 20th century. It is the only day on this list set by the Gregorian calendar. The Knesset passed the law on June 23, 2014, and the day was first observed that year [13].