The EAJC congratulates you on Israel's Independence Day!

The day Israel's independence was proclaimed – May 14, 1948 (5 Iyar 5708) – is undoubtedly one of the most significant and joyous days in Jewish history. However, it was surrounded by a multitude of events that occurred both before and after. The War of Independence began long before this date. By May 1948, heavy fighting was already underway across Eretz Yisrael. The day before the proclamation, the kibbutzim of Gush Etzion fell. Jerusalem was under a severe siege. Following the declaration, the war erupted with renewed intensity, and the first weeks of the new Jewish state proved exceptionally challenging. The battles of the War of Independence would continue for over a year.

Nevertheless, Israel heroically endured this war, and everything that followed – 73 remarkable years – is now history. We invite you to explore the thoughts, feelings, and statements of the leaders of the Jewish state, who experienced a diverse spectrum of emotions during that pivotal turning point.

The EAJC extends its warmest congratulations to the State of Israel, its citizens, and the Jewish diaspora on this shared holiday for the entire Jewish people!