Yom HaAtzmaut 2027 will be celebrated on Wednesday, May 12, 2027, in Israel. The holiday begins at sundown on Tuesday, May 11, and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, May 12. Known as Israel’s Independence Day, Yom HaAtzmaut commemorates the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948.
When Is Yom HaAtzmaut 2027?
Yom HaAtzmaut 2027 begins at sundown on Tuesday, May 11, and its main day of observance is Wednesday, May 12. On the Hebrew calendar, the holiday falls on 5 Iyar 5787. Because Jewish calendar days begin at sunset, the observance starts the evening before the Gregorian date shown on many calendars.
Yom HaAtzmaut follows Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day. In 2027, Yom HaZikaron is observed during the day on Tuesday, May 11, and the transition to Independence Day takes place that evening. For the date and Hebrew-calendar details, consult [Hebcal’s Yom HaAtzmaut 2027 calendar](https://www.hebcal.com/holidays/yom-haatzmaut-2027).
What Is Yom HaAtzmaut?
Yom HaAtzmaut (יום העצמאות) is Hebrew for “Independence Day.” It is Israel’s national holiday marking the declaration of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, when David Ben-Gurion publicly read the Declaration of Independence.
The date is linked to the Hebrew calendar rather than May 14 on the Gregorian calendar. Yom HaAtzmaut is normally observed on 5 Iyar, although the official observance may be moved to avoid a conflict with Shabbat. The [National Library of Israel’s guide to Independence Day](https://www.nli.org.il/en/discover/judaism/holidays/independence-day) explains the holiday’s historical background and calendar placement.
Why Is Yom HaAtzmaut Important?
Yom HaAtzmaut marks a defining moment in modern Jewish and Israeli history: the establishment of an independent state in 1948. For many Israelis and Jewish communities around the world, it is an occasion to reflect on national identity, history, culture, and the meaning of independence.
The holiday is also closely connected to Yom HaZikaron, which honors fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Israel observes Memorial Day immediately before Independence Day, creating a deliberate transition from mourning to celebration. The [Reform Judaism overview of Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut](https://reformjudaism.org/jewish-holidays/yom-hazikaron-and-yom-haatzmaut) provides context for this relationship.
Yom HaAtzmaut 2027: Quick Facts
| Holiday | Yom HaAtzmaut / Israel Independence Day |
| Begins | Sundown, Tuesday, May 11, 2027 |
| Main day | Wednesday, May 12, 2027 |
| Ends | Nightfall, Wednesday, May 12, 2027 |
| Hebrew date | 5 Iyar 5787 |
| Historical event | Declaration of the State of Israel in 1948 |
| Preceding observance | Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Yom HaAtzmaut 2027?
Yom HaAtzmaut 2027 begins at sundown on Tuesday, May 11, and ends at nightfall on Wednesday, May 12. The main day of observance is Wednesday, May 12, which is 5 Iyar 5787 on the Hebrew calendar.
Why does Yom HaAtzmaut begin at sundown?
Jewish calendar days begin in the evening. For that reason, Yom HaAtzmaut begins on the evening of Tuesday, May 11, before the main observance on Wednesday, May 12, 2027.
Is Yom HaAtzmaut a public holiday?
Yes. It is an official national holiday in Israel, and many schools, government offices, and businesses close or adjust their schedules. Outside Israel, communities may hold events, but it is not generally a nationwide public holiday.
Does Yom HaAtzmaut always fall on May 14?
No. The holiday follows the Hebrew calendar and is normally observed on 5 Iyar, so its Gregorian date changes each year. In 2027, the main observance is May 12.
Important
National Library of Israel – Israeli Independence Day — Historical background and the official calendar placement.
Hebcal – Yom HaAtzmaut 2027 — The 2027 Gregorian and Hebrew-calendar dates.
Reform Judaism – Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut — Context on the relationship between Memorial Day and Independence Day.
Time and Date – Yom HaAtzmaut in 2027 — Additional date and public-holiday information
Related:
Yom HaZikaron 2027: Date, Meaning, Traditions, and Observance