Read on for the highlights of Yom Haatzmaut 70! Don’t forget to check municipal websites for more details on timings and locations for events in your city!
What’s Happening?
Watch the Flyover – Matas 2018!
The full list is now available here, at the IAF website!
From cellphones only, you can access the IAF ‘Matas’ Flyover times 2018 and see the map to watch it in real time – you can even find a place, click on the arrow on the left to see exactly which planes will come by and when! Awesome!! Click here for the Website (cellphone compatible only)
70 Heritage Sites are FREE
LoveLoveIsrael has translated the full list of 70 Heritage Sites that will open for free on Thursday 19th April – Yom Haatzmaut! Click here for the list!
70 Places open for free on YomHaatzmaut
The National Police Academy
The National Police Academy is running a great free event on Yom Haatzmaut, including a show starring Kofiko! Full details here.
Events Countrywide
Are you looking for something different? Checkout this website put together by the Ministry of Culture. It lists all sorts of events going on around the country to celebrate. As this short clip says, “We have so much to be proud of in our country, Israel!”
Free Video Mapping Night Event in Tel Aviv
History comes to life! Using 3d Video and sound at top spots in Tel Aviv you can learn about Israel’s independence in a way you have never done before! Incredible Free Video Mapping Event in Tel Aviv – Israel 70! Click here for more details!
Air Force Bases
Air Force bases that will open this year are listed here. If you do want to do this you must be prepared!
Get up VERY early and make the most of this rare opportunity to see the amazing air crafts used by the Israeli army, meet the pilots and air force soldiers, try on helmets, see weapons and equipment and learn all about their uses.
I personally went to Tel Nof a few years ago (near Rechovot) and it was an experience my family will always remember. When I dragged them out the house super early after a late night celebrating the night before, they were not impressed, but all was forgiven once we arrived!
You MUST leave early to avoid the lines to get in – aim to arrive there by 8:15am. Waze will add on time as you get nearer! They check every car and people that left only 10 minutes after us, were stuck in their car for an extra hour! Note that it is very exposed, so stock up well on water and wear hats. We stayed there to watch the flyover and headed to friends for a BBQ in the afternoon. More details on the IAF website.
The Israeli Air Force Museum
You could also visit the Beer Sheva Air Force Museum which is free on Yom Haatzmaut. Open 9:00-14:00. Lots of traffic around here to be prepared for.
The Annual Flyover
The times for the annual flyover and further details about the Air Force base openings can be found here on the IAF website), and on this special cellphone only site – includes the planes flying over at the bases.
Beaches
The weather should be perfect and the beach is a great location to see the planes fly by as well as lots of boats and sailing boats! Check the jellyfish situation and only swim if there is a lifeguard! Check for lifeguards here by clicking on חופים on the top bar and choose which beaches you want to check. Officially, the beaches open (with lifeguards) on April 16th this year and they will be working on Yom Haatzmaut.
Enjoy Israel’s Natural Beauty
Hikes and National Parks! What could be better than enjoying the beauty of Israels nature on Yom Haatzmaut. Be sure to check that BBQs are permitted before you set out – and don’t just bring sandwiches because you will be the only ones!
Gan Leumi Hof Hasharon
Neot Kedumim – A special orienteering event for Yom Haatzmaut. 30shekel per person (age 3 and up). 9-15:00. Last entry at 12:30pm. Each family will receive a navigation map but they recommend bringing your own compass. you can choose from two different routes of difficulty. Afterwards you can stay in the park to picnic or “barbecue” in a shaded area with water and toilets. You can purchase tickets online or register by phone. You must leave the park by 15:00.
Neot Kedumim .
The Israel Museum
The Israel Museum will have free entry for kids on Yom Haatzmaut! 11:00-14:00. Three generations of dance troupes: – “Hora Efrohim,” “Hora Ne’urim,” and “Jerusalem of Gold” – will perform original Israeli dances in traditional costumes, Amir Schraiber and the Israeli Groove perform Israeli songs folk-dancing for the public lead by Mimi Kogan.
Music
Across Israel each city has its own celebrations. This usually includes free performances by top singers and performers on the evening of Yom Haatzmaut, as soon as Yom Hazikaron concludes. The full list of who is performing and where can be found here.
Hallelujah!
Join in and sing the famous song Hallelujah on 18/4 at 21:45! Click here for more details of over 20 places in Israel, as well as 10 places in the world that will be televised singing at the same time!
Boats
I am told that the sailing boats will set off from Herzliya marina at 11:00 on Yom Haatzmaut morning.
Photo: Ilan Levy
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