Israel celebrates Independence Day on April 20th

Independence Day is a national holiday, all business outlets and government offices, including customs are closed
 
Celebrations for the 62nd anniversary of Israel's regaining its independence begin on Monday evening, April 19th ,throughout the country, continuing throughout Tuesday, 20 April.
 
On Sunday night, 18 April, and Monday, 19 April, Israel observed Memorial Day. Events to mark Memorial Day for Israel's fallen soldiers began at 7:30 P.M with a ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, attended by the Prime Minister.
 
Though a regular work day, activity is usually curtailed and many leave their offices early pending the Independence Day celebrations that follow.
 
Israel Independence Day is celebrated annually on 5 Iyar, which corresponded to 14 May 1948, the date the British mandate ended over the Land of Israel.
 
Independence Day is a national holiday, all business outlets and government offices, including customs are close. The country returns to regular working hours on Wednesday 21st April 2010.