A national holiday, Yom Ha’atzmaut marks the day in 1948 that Israel's first prime minister, David Ben-Gurion, declared the country's independence at a Tel Aviv gathering. Virtually all Jews commemorate Yom Ha'atzmaut, and the event overrides the religious prohibition against listening to music. However, if the holiday falls on a Friday or Shabbat, Yom Ha'atzmaut is moved up to a Thursday. 

Families and friends come together to celebrate with a barbeque, or Al-haesh, as it’s called in Hebrew. While party-goers congregate at Woodley Park in San Fernando Valley. Other neighborhoods, such as Florentine, are also crowded with celebrations.

Stroll Tel Aviv’s Woodley Park on Israeli Independence Day to enjoy live entertainment, and hundreds of booths offering ethnic food, arts and crafts. Carnival rides and a petting zoo cater to the families, while children wave plastic hammers as symbols of their patriotism.

Israel’s Independence Day activities begin at 10:00 am through 7:00 pm in Woodley Park at Woodley Avenue between Victory and Burbank Boulevards. Cost is $5 per person and children under two are free.

Tel Aviv’s traffic is often slow moving, but during the Israel’s Independence Day, the overpopulated streets and crowds create even more traffic jams. It’s highly recommended that you take advantage of public transportation to Woodley Park via the Metro Orange Line.

What: Celebrating Independence Day in Tel Aviv
Where: Woodley Park and throughout the city
When: April 29, 2012
URL: http://www.israelfestival.com

Recommended Hotel: Hotel Marina Tel-Aviv