Hananya Naftali
Mar 23, 2023
Israel’s Independence Date
The Short Answer
The modern State of Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948, when David Ben Gurion read the Declaration of Independence in Tel Aviv as the British Mandate ended. The United States recognized Israel within minutes. Israel was admitted to the United Nations on May 11, 1949. Israelis celebrate Independence Day, Yom HaAtzmaut, according to the Hebrew calendar.
A Nation Reborn
For the Jewish people, 1948 was the rebirth of a nation, not its beginning. Jewish kingdoms ruled the land three thousand years ago, and Jews never stopped praying to return to Zion during two thousand years of exile.
The UN voted for a Jewish state on November 29, 1947. The day after Israel declared independence, five Arab armies invaded. Israel survived the war at a heavy cost. Read more: The Nakba and 1948
The Declaration of Independence
The ceremony took place in the building now known as Independence Hall on Rothschild Boulevard in Tel Aviv. The declaration promised equal social and political rights to all citizens regardless of religion, race or sex.
Key Facts
Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948.
David Ben Gurion read the declaration in Tel Aviv.
The United States recognized Israel within minutes.
Israel joined the United Nations on May 11, 1949.