Aliyah Day in Israel

Aliyah Day, known in Hebrew as Yom HaAliyah, is an Israeli national holiday celebrated annually on the seventh day of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. This corresponds to a date in October or November in the Gregorian calendar.

History

The holiday was established to acknowledge Aliyah, the immigration of Jews from the diaspora to the Land of Israel, which is considered a core value of the Jewish state and a foundational pillar of Israeli society. It was officially legislated by the Knesset (Israeli parliament) in 2016, following a private member's bill proposed by MKs Robert Ilatov and Miki Zohar along with other members of Knesset.

Traditions

Aliyah Day pays tribute to the ongoing contributions of immigrants to Israeli society, culture, and economy. The day typically features:

• Educational Programs: Schools across Israel dedicate lessons to learning about significant waves of immigration and stories of notable immigrants.
• Official Ceremonies: Government offices and public bodies hold ceremonies honoring new immigrants.
• Community Events: Local municipalities and community centers organize events celebrating cultural diversity brought by olim (immigrants).

Activities

On Aliyah Day, people engage in various activities including:

• Attending lectures or seminars about historical and modern immigration.
• Participating in community gatherings where immigrant stories are shared.
• Recognizing individuals who have made significant contributions to Israeli society through their Aliyah.

The day also serves as an opportunity for reflection on personal or family immigration experiences and provides a platform for discussing policies related to absorption and integration of new immigrants into Israeli society.