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| Israel's 62nd Independence Day |
| Last Modified at:18-Apr-2010 |
Israel is celebrating its 62nd Independence Day on Tuesday, April 20th, 2010. Festivities will begin upon conclusion of Memorial Day services, starting with the Annual Mount Herzl Torch Lighting Ceremony, followed by the International Bible Contest and The Israel Prize award ceremony.
Independence Day Law issued by The Knesset, declares that Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut) is to be a national holiday, celebrated yearly, on the fifth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. This year's Independence Day marks the 150th anniversary of Theodor Herzl - father of modern political Zionism - born in Budapest in 1860.
Independence Day – Main Events
The following main events will take place during Independence Day:
 Mount Herzl Torch Lighting Ceremony – marking the end of Memorial Day and the beginning of Independence Day. The ceremony begins with the lighting of 12 torches, symbolizing the 12 Tribes of Israel. This year all torch lighters will commemorate Herzl's vision of "If You Will It, It Is No Dream". The ceremony will be presided over by the Speaker of the Knesset, Mr. Reuven Rivlin.
International Bible Contest for Jewish Youth: Jewish youth from Israel and abroad will take part in a competitive bible proficiency contest at the Jerusalem Theater, which will be broadcast live on TV Channel 11. The contest will be presided over by Israeli President Mr. Shimon Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Minister of Education Gideon Sa'ar.
The "Israel Prize" award ceremony: The ceremony will take place in the presence of President Peres, Prime Minister Netanyahu, the President of the Supreme Court, the Mayor of Jerusalem and the Minister of Education, as well as prizewinners, government ministers, Knesset Members and other guests. The ceremony will take place at the Jerusalem Theater at 7:30 pm and will be broadcast live on TV Channel 11.
Independence day is traditionally celebrated across the country with festivals, firework shows and outdoor activities such as those offered by the Jewish National Fund.
All museums operated by the Ministry of Defense will be open to the public free of charge, as well as many other tourist attractions, museums and visitor centers.
Population Statistics
According to the Central Bureau of Statistics, upon its 62nd Independence Day, Israel's population is 7.6 million, more than 9 times the number of its residents on the day it was established.
Since last year's Independence Day Report:
Approximately 19,000 new immigrants had arrived in Israel.
160,000 babies were born.
 Israel celebrates 62 years of independence
Tourist information for Independence Day
Celebrate Israel's 62nd Independence Day with KKL-JNF
Ministry of Foreign Affairs: Israel at 62 – a Statistical Glimpse
Resources for Independence Day at gov.il portal
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