Israel's 70th Independence Day celebrations were set to start on Wednesday evening with the traditional torch-lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, kicking off nationwide festivities expected to stretch for a symbolic 70 hours.
Celebrations will begin immediately after the torch-lighting ceremony with a special performance of the song "Hallelujah." The song, originally Israel's winning entry to the 1979 Eurovision song competition, is one of the most beloved songs in the country's history and, embellished with a new verse especially composed for the occasion, it has become the anthem for the 70th-anniversary celebrations.
The performance will be broadcast simultaneously from 32 different locations, 12 of them overseas, to over 100 countries worldwide.
"This is the first time we're doing something like this, certainly in 32 synchronized points in Israel and the world," Ceremony director Rubi Podgor said.
The ceremony in Jerusalem will be echoed in huge celebrations nationwide, as almost every city is hosting performances by popular artists and local bands, set to party all night long.
A special "Blue and White Night" celebration will be held on 70 beaches, from Naharia in the north to Eilat in the south, where leading DJs will see Israelis dance the night away.
Festivities will continue on Thursday, with the Israeli Air Force's traditional air show, which includes cross-country flyovers. The aerial demonstrations will be joined by Israeli Navy boats and skydivers, and IDF bases across the country, which are usually closed for the public, will host a range of family-friendly events.
The International Bible Contest will take place in Jerusalem on Thursday, bringing together dozens of Jewish youth from around the world. At noon, President Reuven Rivlin will host a ceremony honoring outstanding soldiers and security personnel.
Tel Aviv and Jerusalem will both host street parties in popular venues. Tel Aviv will also host a special "70 Years of Israeli Cinema" marathon event, playing Israeli movies for three days.
Independence Day celebrations will culminate with the 2018 Israel Prize ceremony in Jerusalem.
