Yom Haatzmaut in Australia

Yom Ha'atzmaut is Israel’s Independence Day. It is celebrated on the fifth day of the month of Iyar. In the state of Israel, Yom HaAtzmaut, being an important occasion, is declared a national holiday. Most of the western countries that have established connection to the Jewish world highly regard Yom HaAtzmaut as well.

How Jewish Community in Australia Celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut

Australia has a strong connection to the Jewish world that is why there are Australian families that have traces of Jewish roots in them. The Australian Jewish and the rest of the Jewish community in Australia observe Yom HaAtzmaut by offering prayers of gratitude for the freedom of Israel. The schools stage a special program for the students to have a background of what Yom HaAtzmaut is. It has also become a tradition for Jewish schools to require their students to wear blue and white on the day of Yom HaAtzmaut. The blue and white uniform is its way of paying tribute to the Israel flag which has the same colours.

Jewish community organize intimate events to commemorate Israel’s independence. For instance, they gather their families and friends to partake on festive foods, merry-making activities, and other similar events. Big cities such as Melbourne and Perth have been organizing events such as live concerts and entertainment programs that feature Jewish talents. This is Australia’s own way of celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut as patterned on how it is usually celebrated in Israel. In their homeland, they usually celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut with night time festivities held in its major cities. There are night shows and entertainment sponsored by the city officials and government. In Australia, the Jewish community loves attending Yom HaAtzmaut night activities that make them gather, unite, and be with one another. In the daytime of the Yom HaAtzmaut, the Jewish community are into activities that permit them to wind down and relax in the company of their family and friends. They are usually seen dining in Australia’s fine restaurants, strolling in big shops, or simply spending time with each other to catch-up on each other’s lives.

How Yom HaAtzmaut is Observed in Australia

Despite not being a federal holiday in Australia, the country respects and recognizes one of the Jewish’s community’s most significant occasions. Since it is not a holiday, the government departments, public and private offices, and commercial establishments such as shops and restaurants are operating. The schools, except Jewish schools, also hold classes that day. Some schools, offices, and establishments in Australia display the Israeli flag to show honor and respect to the Yom HaAtzmaut. Jewish workers will have to file a leave of absence from their work if they wish to participate in any Yom HaAtzmaut celebrations.