Israel's 77th Independence Day began with a dramatic announcement: The traditional torch-lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl, scheduled for live broadcast on the eve of the holiday, was canceled at the last minute due to a forecast of strong winds.
Culture and Sports Minister Miri Regev, who oversees national ceremonies, said the event would not take place live for safety reasons. Instead, a recording of this week's dress rehearsal will be aired. This marks the second year in a row that the ceremony won't be broadcast live – though this time the cause is not ideological, but extreme weather conditions.
Despite the cancellation of the central ceremony, other Independence Day events will go ahead as planned. These include the ceremony honoring 120 outstanding IDF soldiers at the President's Residence, the International Bible Quiz for Jewish Youth, and the Israel Prize ceremony.
These events will carry special emotional weight this year, in the shadow of ongoing war, national mourning, and the campaign to bring home the hostages. So what's on the agenda? Will there be any airshows despite everything? And what does the weather have in store? Here's everything you need to know.
Key Events
10:00 a.m. – Ceremony for 120 outstanding IDF soldiers at the President's Residence
Due to security concerns, the names and faces of the honorees will not be made public this year to protect their personal safety. As a result, the certificate presentation will follow the ceremony and be conducted in private, without a live broadcast, and in the presence of family members only.
11:00 a.m. – International Bible Quiz for Jewish Youth
Held annually on Independence Day, this quiz is one of Israel's most cherished traditions, highlighting the Jewish people's enduring connection to the Bible and the Land of Israel.
6:30 p.m. – Israel Prize Ceremony
The ceremony will be held at the Jerusalem International Convention Center. Israel's most prestigious award, the Israel Prize is presented annually for excellence in the sciences, humanities, social sciences, and for outstanding contributions to Israeli society.
This year marks a historic milestone: For the first time since the prize was established, half of the recipients are women – five out of ten winners – a significant step toward gender equality in Israel's academic, cultural, and social spheres.
Independence Day weather forecast
The extreme heat that scorched the country on Wednesday – fueling massive fires in the Jerusalem Hills and leading to the cancellation of the torch-lighting – will ease by the evening. Temperatures are expected to drop by 5 to 7 degrees Celsius (41 to 44 degrees Fahrenheit). On Thursday, temperatures will drop further by about 10 degrees (50°F), creating a pleasant climate that will continue into Friday and Saturday.
What about the airshow?
For the second consecutive year, the traditional Independence Day flyover by the Israeli Air Force will not take place. The decision was made in light of the ongoing war, and the IDF's operational priorities.
However, an alternative initiative is planned: the "Hostages' Flyover," a civilian-led effort by the Israel Sport Aviation Association, in collaboration with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. The symbolic flyover will feature three light aircraft flying along the coastline in a missing-man formation, representing the ongoing captivity of Israeli hostages – a stark reminder that independence cannot be fully celebrated while they remain in captivity.
