Israelis celebrated Independence Day on Tuesday, marking the 66th anniversary of the founding of the state. With the end of somber Memorial Day on Monday evening, Israel shifted gear and a festive atmosphere pervaded the country. Independence Day events were kicked off the by the official torch-lighting ceremony at Mount Herzl. The theme of this year's ceremony was "The Era of Women -- Achievements and Challenges." Fourteen distinguished Israeli women were chosen to light torches. Later on Tuesday, the Israel Prize ceremony was held at the International Convention Center in Jerusalem. Among this year's winners were education activist Adina Bar-Shalom, Professor Michal Neeman and Or Yarok founder Avinoam Naor. The International Bible Quiz for Youth was also held on Tuesday in Jerusalem. The winner was 18-year-old Eitan Amos, from Toronto. Netanyahu and Education Minister Shay Piron were among the attendees at the event. It is customary for Israelis to celebrate Independence Day with barbecues either at home or out in nature. Some 40,000 Israelis held barbecues at Israel Nature and Parks Authority picnic sites on Tuesday. Air bases and other military installations that are generally closed to the public were open to visitors on Tuesday and the Israeli Air Force held its traditional flyover to mark the holiday. Meanwhile, U.S. President Barack Obama send an Independence Day greeting to the Israeli people on Tuesday. "Generations of Jews dreamed of the day when the Jewish people would have their own state in their historic homeland, and 66 years ago today that dream came true," Obama said. "Today, Israel thrives as a diverse and vibrant democracy and as a 'startup nation' that celebrates entrepreneurship and innovation."
Credit: Reuters, Kobi Meiri, Newsenders
On Tuesday morning, President Shimon Peres honored 120 outstanding Israel Defense Forces soldiers, each of whom received a certificate of excellence. Before the awards ceremony, Peres hosted the traditional "Singing Independence" event at his Jerusalem residence. Peres, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz took part in the event, performing duets with Israeli singers.
Israel celebrates 66 years of independence
Israelis mark Independence Day with barbecues, visits to military bases • IAF holds traditional flyover • President Shimon Peres honors 120 outstanding soldiers • Canadian Eitan Amos wins International Bible Quiz for Youth.
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