Prior to the Yom Ha’Atzmaut activities, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu consoled family members who had lost children during the war. (Photo by Ma\u2019ayan Toaf\/GPO)<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
He said Israel had delivered significant blows to what he called the Iranian \u201caxis of evil,\u201d which he accused of seeking to destroy the Jewish state. Referring to ongoing regional hostilities, he said Israel had taken decisive action to remove what he described as existential threats, including dangers posed by Iran\u2019s nuclear and ballistic missile programs.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the War of Revival, in Operation Rising Lion and Operation Roaring Lion, we made major achievements,\u201d Netanyahu said, crediting Israel\u2019s security forces, citizens and leadership decisions with strengthening the country\u2019s regional standing.<\/p>\n
He highlighted new partnerships and diplomatic opportunities that he said had expanded Israel\u2019s strategic position. \u201cIn every generation, enemies rise up to destroy us,\u201d Netanyahu said, adding that Israel continues to confront those threats with unity and determination.<\/p>\n
Twelve torches, twelve stories<\/b><\/p>\n
At the heart of the ceremony were the 12 torch-lighters chosen to represent Israeli society. This year\u2019s group included figures from the military, medicine, technology, culture and public service.<\/p>\n
The ceremony opened with two IDF officers whose identities were partially concealed for security reasons. Lt. Col. M., a former squadron commander involved in operations against Iran, dedicated his torch to the thousands of sorties flown in defense of Israel and to the personnel supporting those missions.<\/p>\n
Maj. N., a combat intelligence officer wounded on Oct. 7 who returned to duty before being seriously wounded again, dedicated her torch to wounded soldiers \u201churt in body and soul\u201d and to those continuing what she called \u201canother battle on the front of rehabilitation.\u201d<\/p>\n
Venture capitalist Gili Ra\u2019anan honored Israel\u2019s hi-tech and cybersecurity sectors while remembering his daughter Adi, who was killed in the 2018 Nahal Tzafit flash flood.<\/p>\n
\u201cShe reminds me how precious life is, and how great is our responsibility to build a better future here,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Prof. Dina Ben-Yehuda, head of hematology at Hadassah Medical Center, dedicated her torch to Israel\u2019s medical community and to her nephew Itamar, a Golani combat medic who fell on Oct. 7.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo the compassion and humanity that are the most important medicine of all,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Tamir Atallah, a Druze IDF officer who coordinated emergency relief efforts for Druze communities affected by violence in Syria, emphasized the partnership between Israel\u2019s Jewish and Druze citizens.<\/p>\n
\u201cA covenant of partnership, loyalty and shared fate\u2014a bond we are obligated to guard with all our strength,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Ora Hatan of Moshav Shetula, who remained in the northern border community throughout Hezbollah attacks while preparing meals for soldiers, dedicated her torch to residents determined to remain in the north.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is forbidden for us to ever lose the north,\u201d she said. \u201cAnd to our children\u2014the generation of tomorrow who dream that the Galilee will bloom again. And it will.\u201d<\/p>\n
Chef Asaf Granit honored Jerusalem and Israel\u2019s culinary sector, which has continued operating despite years of conflict and economic strain.<\/p>\n
Roni Insaz, born in Tehran and brought to Israel after secretly assisting Jewish prisoners within Iran\u2019s judicial system, addressed the Iranian people directly.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe vast majority love the Jewish people and dream of freedom,\u201d he said. \u201cMay we merit seeing the dark regime fall.\u201d<\/p>\n
One of the most emotional moments came when Talik Gvili lit a torch in memory of her son, Staff Sgt. Ran Gvili, whose remains were returned from Gaza. She was joined by Brig. Gen. (res.) Gal Hirsch, who served as coordinator for captives and missing persons.<\/p>\n
\u201cKnow this\u2014we are here, and we will remain here forever,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Filmmaker Moshe Adri dedicated his torch to Israel\u2019s cultural creators and to young people in the country\u2019s geographic and social periphery.<\/p>\n
\u201cBelieve in yourselves, because there is no force stronger than determination, faith and the passion to turn imagination into reality,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Rabbi Avraham Zariv, a rabbinical judge and reservist armored bulldozer operator in Gaza, dedicated his torch to the privilege of serving both through Torah scholarship and military duty.<\/p>\n
Fighter Ari Shpitz, who lost both legs and an arm when a booby-trapped structure exploded in Gaza, dedicated his torch to wounded soldiers.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis is another war,\u201d he said, \u201cand in it too, we have no choice but to win.\u201d<\/p>\n
Argentina\u2019s President Javier Milei sings at the 78th anniversary Independence Day ceremony, held at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem, on April 21, 2026. Photo by Chaim Goldberg\/Flash90.Chaim Goldberg\/Flash90<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
The ceremony concluded with an appearance by Argentine President Javier Milei, one of Israel\u2019s most outspoken international supporters. Joining performers in a rendition of the Spanish song \u201cLibre,\u201d Milei later delivered remarks in Spanish reflecting on the symbolism of the torch.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe passage from darkness to light is painful,\u201d he said. \u201cCreating light requires great and difficult toil.\u201d<\/p>\n
He concluded in Hebrew: \u201cAm Yisrael Chai. L\u2019tiferet Medinat Yisrael.\u201d<\/p>\n
Musical performances throughout the evening reflected the country\u2019s emotional journey over the past year. Singer Ben Tzur performed \u201cAbba\u201d accompanied by recordings from battlefield communications. Amir Dadon sang alongside wounded IDF soldiers. Veteran singer Yehoram Gaon performed \u201cLo Tenatzchu Oti\u201d (\u201cYou Will Not Defeat Me\u201d), while Eden Golan, Israel\u2019s 2024 Eurovision representative, received a standing ovation.<\/p>\n
The ceremony concluded with Sasson Ifram Shaulov performing \u201cAl Tira Yisrael\u201d (\u201cDo Not Fear, Israel\u201d), bringing the audience to its feet.<\/p>\n
The traditional flagbearers\u2019 display formed images including a Star of David, a map of Israel and the number 78, before the ceremony concluded with the singing of Israel\u2019s national anthem, \u201cHatikvah.\u201d<\/p>\n
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