HistoryMay 14, 1948
Israel Declares Independence
On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion read the Declaration of Independence at the Tel Aviv Museum, eight hours before the British Mandate ended.
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HistoryMay 18, 1971
The Night of the Panthers
On May 18, 1971, about 6,000 people rallied in Jerusalem against discrimination toward Mizrahi Jews. Police and protesters clashed.
HistoryMay 18, 1965
Syria Hangs Eli Cohen
On this day, May 18, 1965, Syrian authorities hanged Eli Cohen in Damascus. He had been convicted of spying for Israel.
HistoryJuly 5, 1950
Knesset Passes the Law of Return
On this day, July 5, 1950, the Knesset passed the Law of Return, stating that every Jew has the right to come to Israel as an oleh.
HistoryMay 13, 1948
Kfar Etzion Falls
On May 13, 1948, Kfar Etzion fell. Defenders who had gathered after a cease-fire were fired on, and only four survived.
HistoryJune 1, 2001
The Dolphinarium Bombing
On June 1, 2001, a Hamas suicide bomber killed 21 people outside the Dolphinarium nightclub in Tel Aviv.
HistoryApril 9, 1948
Irgun and Lehi Attack Deir Yassin
On April 9, 1948, the Irgun and Lehi attacked Deir Yassin. Later counts of the dead cluster around 100, not the early figure of about 250.
HistoryMay 26, 1948
The Israel Defense Forces Are Established
On May 26, 1948, David Ben-Gurion signed the ordinance that established the Israel Defense Forces and barred any other armed force.
HistoryJuly 11, 1947
Exodus 1947 Sails from Sète
On this day, July 11, 1947, the former President Warfield left Sète, France, carrying more than 4,500 Jewish displaced persons toward Mandatory Palestine.
HistoryNovember 25, 1979
Israel Returns the Alma Oil Field
On November 25, 1979, Israel returned the Alma oil fields on the Gulf of Suez to Egypt.
HistoryJune 16, 1946
The Night of the Bridges
On the night of June 16, 1946, the Palmach attacked bridges linking Mandatory Palestine to neighboring countries. Fourteen fighters were killed at Akhziv.
HistoryAugust 30, 1966
The Knesset Dedicates Its Building
On August 30, 1966, the Knesset dedicated its building in Jerusalem. About 6,000 guests attended.