Below is a collection of  lesson plans, videos, and articles created by The Lookstein Center staff or contributed to the site by Jewish educators, celebrating Israel at 75.  

Yom HaAtzmaut Holiday Overview

• What: Yom HaAtzmaut is the official Israeli Independence Day, celebrating the foundation of the State of Israel in 1948. 
• Where: Yom HaAtzmaut is an Israeli national holiday but is recognized and celebrated by Jews around the world.
• When: On the Hebrew calendar, its official date is the 5th of Iyyar. This year, Yom HaAtzmaut celebrates the 75th anniversary of Israel’s statehood!
• How: In Israel, Yom HaAtzmaut starts off with a Tekes Ma’avar (transitional ceremony) from Yom HaZikaron. Many in and outside of Israel will participate in a celebratory prayer service that evening and the following morning, during which Hallel is often recited. Yom HaAtzmaut is a day off for Israelis and many people celebrate it with parties, gatherings, and BBQs with friends and family.
  

RESOURCES AND ACTIVITIES

A State Is Born – This online lesson for upper elementary-school students reviews the history of Israel’s establishment in an interactive way. By The Lookstein Center.
Curate and Create – This Yom HaAtzmaut program from the National Library of Israel includes educator resources, lesson plans, a creative competition for students, and more.
Zionism Revisited – This educational series from Unpacked includes videos, lesson plans, curricular guides, and more.
The Jewish Agency – These resources for Israel at 75 include content packs for educators and activities for all ages.
Israeli Stamps Activity – This booklet in simple Hebrew teaches elementary students about Israeli stamps and letter writing and can easily be adapted in a virtual classroom. Written by The Lookstein Center-Instituto Bruckner.
Israeli Ministry of Education  – These English resources include lesson plans, songs, games, vocabulary, and more.
PJ Library – These resources for younger students include books, videos, Israeli recipes, and more.
The National Library of Israel – These lesson plans include primary sources and activity packs.
Aish – These resources include many articles and explanatory videos.
The Israel Forever Foundation – These comprehensive resources include many activities for students of all ages.
Israel Bytes by Ji Bytes – These short interactive activities engage elementary-school students in Israel’s history and culture.
Between Sadness and Happiness – This lesson plan from Olam Shalem explores the connection between the days of Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut and the emotions they provoke.

ARTICLES

The Challenge of Teaching Modern Israel – This article from The Lookstein Center’s journal, Jewish Educational Leadership, explores a new approach to Israel education.
Teaching Israel, Teaching Truth: A Personal View from the Front – This article from The Lookstein Center’s journal, Jewish Educational Leadership, discusses the importance of teaching about Israel from a place of honesty.
Megillat HaAtzmaut: Analysis and Comparative Analysis – This article analyzes and explores the Israeli Declaration of Independence.
State and Religion – This article explores the connections that should and should not exist between the State of Israel and religion.
Israel Independence Day and the Halakha – This article analyzes the different halakhic contexts for celebrating Yom HaAtzmaut in different ways.
Perspectives: The Shalom Hartman Institute – This collection of articles for Israel at 75 includes a range of voices on pertinent topics related to Israel today.

VIDEOS and songs

Declaration of Independence – This video shows live footage of David Ben-Gurion declaring Israel’s independence (English subtitles).
Weird Ways Israel Won Its War of Independence – This video from Unpacked explores the unconventional military strategies utilized by the Israeli army in the War of Independence.
What is Yom HaAtzamaut? – This video from Bimbam gives an overview of the holiday, its history, and its traditions.
How the State of Israel was Born  – This animated video tells the story of Israeli independence.
Israeli Independence Day Songs – This playlist of Hebrew songs includes many popular songs used in Yom HaAtzmaut celebrations.
Koolulam – Al Kol Eleh – This collaborative singing initiative video includes a tribute to Israel for Yom HaAtzmaut.
Hebrew Kids Spotify Playlist – This playlist of songs can help set the mood for a Yom HaAtzmaut celebration.
Megilat HaAtzmaut – This song by the Maccabeats includes words from Israel’s Proclamation of Independence.

Do you have anything to contribute to this list? Contact content@lookstein.org