75 years since the establishment of the Jewish state, Israel celebrated its birthday with jubilant displays amidst rife political division.
Demonstrators rallied in Tel Aviv to protest the Israeli government's judicial overhaul bill, as the country began celebrations.
Alternative Independence Day observances were held in Tel Aviv as well as in several cities across the country.
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A man rows a stand-up paddle flying an Israeli flag near a sailing boat in the Mediterranean sea off the coast of Tel Aviv on April 26, 2023, as Israel marks Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut) (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Israelis flocked to parks, beaches, nature sites, and other open spaces for barbecues and other festivities on Wednesday as the country celebrated its 75th Independence Day.
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A beach holiday in Tel Aviv was out of reach for a young Hadley (Photo: Getty Images)
Rabbi Leo Dee, who lost his wife and two of his daughters in a terror attack earlier this month, recited the Yizkor memorial prayer at Tuesday evening’s national ceremony at Mount Herzl, marking the transition from Memorial Day to Independence Day.
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Israelis watch the Efroni T-6 Texan II planes perform over the Mediterranean coastal city of Tel Aviv during celebrations (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Flybys across the country featured over 100 aircraft.
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An Israeli dressed as an aeroplane is pictured on the beach in Tel Aviv (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv for an Independence Day “protest party” as anti-government demonstrations continued.
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Demonstrators lifting national flags rally in Tel Aviv to protest the Israeli government's judicial overhaul bill, as the country begins celebrations for its 75th anniversary (Photo by JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images)
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called for unity at the same time as opponents to his government’s hardline policies gathered outside the Jerusalem event.
The PM said miracles were "only possible when we march together".
Several hundred protesters also gathered outside the Mount Herzl ceremony.
Happy #YomHaatzmaut Israel. Can’t have a party without techno! Silly Israel! 🇮🇱 pic.twitter.com/ubSPG7loLF
— Jewlicious 🌻 (@jewlicious) April 25, 2023
In Tel Aviv, crowds gathered on Kaplan Street, waving Israeli flags and dancing to upbeat music.
“Israel is marking 75 years since its founding under a massive attack on Israeli democracy that is dividing the nation,” organisers said. “Against the attack are standing millions of Israelis who love our country and are not willing to give up on the smallest iota of democracy and equality.”
Happy Birthday Israel! #YomHaatzmaut
— Humans of Judaism (@HumansOfJudaism) April 25, 2023
Thousands of years old, 75 years young.
Photo: @Noam_Chen pic.twitter.com/VabTA8DjG3
UK’s Foreign Secretary, James Cleverly also wished Israel a Happy 75th Birthday.
He said: "The strong ties between the UK and Israel over the past 75 years is a testament to the strength of our close and historic relationship.
"The UK and Israel stand together, defiant in the face of the malign influence of Iran in the region, and against the wider scourge of antisemitism.
I am happy to celebrate the significant milestone of Israel’s 75th birthday. Yom Ha’atzmaut Sameach!"
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Hospital dresses newborns in blue and white of flag to celebrate Independence Day (Assuta Hospital Ashdod)
The Assuta Hospital in Ashdod released photos of newborn babies dressed in 75th anniversary onesies along with a statement reminding Israelis of the importance of remaining united for the sake of today’s children and future generations.
“Especially in such a challenging year full of disagreement within Israeli society, this is an important reminder that despite everything, we are one nation with a common past and a joint future. Our flag symbolises our inseverable connection to this land and our responsibility to stay united,” the hospital said.
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This years flyover includes 11 fighter jets from foreign air forces, including those of US, UK, Italy and Germany, for the first time in 25 years (Twitter)
The first aircraft participating in flybys took the skies Wednesday morning with a formation of transport and attack helicopters buzzing low over the capital and other planes heading for cities across the country.
This year, several foreign pilots joined in the flyover, which include an F-16 fighter jet from the United States and Eurofighter Typhoons from Germany, the United Kingdom and Italy, “as a sign of partnership between the countries and the unique relationship of the State of Israel with them,” the Israeli military said ahead of the celebrations.
