As spring unfolds, the Jewish community in Greater Philadelphia prepares to mark two meaningful days on the Israeli calendar, Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut, through a variety of local events, commemorations and community gatherings.
Observed each year in late April or early May, Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, honors the soldiers who gave their lives defending the state of Israel and the civilians killed in acts of terrorism. That sense of reflection gives way to the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.
This year, from April 20 to 22, communities in Israel and across the diaspora will honor the fallen and celebrate 78 years since the founding of the Jewish state.
“Together, these days tell a singular story: the joy of independence is inseparable from the sacrifices made to achieve and sustain it,” said Senior Chief of External Affairs Jeffrey Lasday of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia. “In Greater Philadelphia, that story comes to life through communal gatherings, ceremonies, cultural events and moments of reflection that connect community members to the people and spirit of Israel.”
See below for upcoming events in your community hosted by or in collaboration with the Jewish Federation.
Featured Event
Yom Ha’atzmaut at the JCC!
Sunday, April 26 | 1-4:30 p.m.
Kaiserman JCC
Join the Kaiserman JCC and the Jewish Federation’s Lower Merion Kehillah for an afternoon celebrating Israel’s 78th Independence Day. Enjoy a kosher, Israeli-style BBQ, games for all ages and a special performance by the TLV Band, the premier Israeli music cover band. The Jewish Federation is proud to sponsor this program through a Kehillah microgrant. To register, click here.
Community Events
From Personal Life to National Renewal: Rebuilding Israel Through In Noam’s Ways
Sunday, April 12 | 4-5:30 p.m.
Darchei Noam
On Oct. 7, Noam Avramovich was killed at the Nahal Oz outpost while serving her country. Her life was cut short, but her vision was not. In Noam’s Ways – The Center for Public Service was established by Noam’s family, in partnership with the Tashtit Foundation, to transform her values into action. The Center is dedicated to nurturing Israel’s next generation of public servants through leadership development, civic education and meaningful engagement in the public sphere. Join Darchei Noam and Temple Sinai for an event to honor Avramovich with speakers Adva Avramovich and Omer Weinberg. A suggested donation of $18 to $36 is recommended. To register, click here.
Israel’s Independence: Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration
Sunday, April 19 | 11 a.m.-2 p.m.
Congregation Tifereth Israel
Join Tifereth Israel for their Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration with music, Israeli food, dancing, activities, crafts and a guest speaker from the Israeli Defense Forces. Admission is free with activity and food tickets available for purchase. All are encouraged to wear light blue and white (Israel’s national colors). To learn more, click here.
Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut Featuring Nava Tehila and Keren Keshet
Sunday, April 19 | 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Temple Beth Zion Beth Israel
Join Temple Beth Zion Beth Israel for a powerful ceremony transitioning from Yom Hazikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut. Keren Keshet, the leader of Philadelphia's Israel Scouts tribe (Pa'amon Tzofim), will talk about her experience as a child during the Yom Kippur War to being a mother of Israeli soldiers, especially during and after Oct. 7. Light refreshments will be served. To register, click here.
From Memory to Hope – Yom Hazikaron Memorial
Monday, April 20 | 6:30-9 p.m.
Har Zion Temple
Israeli American Council (IAC) Philadelphia invites the community to come together for a meaningful evening of remembrance, connection and reflection in honor of Yom Hazikaron. This gathering offers a space to remember those who have fallen, to stand in solidarity with their families, and to strengthen our shared sense of community, memory, and hope. To register, click here.
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Kehillah programming is part of the Jewish Federation’s neighborhood initiative to foster a vibrant Jewish community throughout the Greater Philadelphia region. Learn more by visiting jewishphilly.org/kehillah or email community@jewishphilly.org.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia mobilizes financial and volunteer resources to care for those in need, support Israel and global Jewry, and secure a vibrant Jewish future — locally and worldwide. You can support this work by making a donation here.
