Torch-lighting Ceremony (Israel)
Torch-lighting ceremony is the official ceremony that marks the closure of the Yom Hazikaron commemorations and the opening of the Independence Day celebrations in Israel. The Ceremony is held annually at the burial site of Theodor Herzl, the Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, and is officiated by the Speaker of the Knesset. The ceremony is attended by the government ministers, members of the Knesset, the Chief of General Staff, members of the diplomatic staff, IDF veterans and a number of citizens who are accommodated in three pavilions with around 5,000 seats temporarily set up around the compound.
IDF marching band's performance, 2014
Supreme court justice Miriam Ben-Porat kindles one of 12 torches, 1988
Stage set up for the 1978 celebration
Independence Day (Israel)
Yom Ha'atzmaut is Israel's national day, commemorating the Israeli Declaration of Independence on 14 May 1948. It is marked by a variety of official and unofficial ceremonies and observances.
Aerobatics display over Tel Aviv on Israel's 61st Independence Day, 2009
David Ben-Gurion proclaiming independence beneath a large portrait of Theodor Herzl, founder of modern Zionism.
Independence Day, 1978
Independence Day celebrations in Tel Aviv's Rabin Square, 2008