Read on for the highlights of Yom Haatzmaut 71! Don’t forget to check municipal websites for more details on timings and locations for events in your city! We will be updating this post as more information becomes available so keep checking back!
What’s Happening?
Watch the Flyover!
Traditionally. every year the Air Force presents an aerial display over Israel’s beaches and at specific army bases, and above Jerusalem. Read more details here or check out the full list here!
From cellphones, you can access the IAF ‘Matas’ Flyover times 2019 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!
71 Heritage Sites are FREE
LoveLoveIsrael has translated the full list of 71 Heritage Sites that will open for free on Thursday 9th May – Yom Haatzmaut! Click here for the list! To see the Hebrew list it should be up soon here.
The National Police Academy
The National Police Academy is running a great free event on Yom Haatzmaut! Full details will be updated on their Facebook here.
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. 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 will also be available soon on the IAF website.
The Israeli Air Force Museum
You could also visit the Beer Sheva Air Force Museum which is also open and free on Yom Haatzmaut. Open 9:00-14:00. Lots of traffic around here to be prepared for.
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 will already be open (with lifeguards) 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
Families looking for an adventure – this is the place to be! The activity includes hiking in the beautiful reserve using a map to find the end point of the route. There is also a quiz on popular Israeli folk songs with hidden clues to discover along the way. Participants can choose between 2 easy routes, the short route (2.5 km) and the long route (about 4km). Both routes can be done at a leisurely pace and is suitable for all ages. Open 9:00-17:00 Last entry at 15:00.
Please note – it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance. The number of places is limited!
To purchase click here
Neot Kedumim .
The Israel Museum
The Israel Museum will be celebrating Israel’s independence by allowing people to pay whatever they want on entry to the museum! They will have Hora Dancing by the Shrine of the Book, on Thursday, 09 May, 11:00 – 14:00 Price: Museum entrance: pay as much as you want.
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.
Boats
I am told that the sailing boats will set off from Herzliya marina at 11:00 on Yom Haatzmaut morning.
Photo: Ilan Levy
Comments