Aliyah Day School Observance in Israel

Aliyah Day, known in Hebrew as Yom HaAliyah, is an Israeli national holiday celebrated annually on the seventh of the Hebrew month of Cheshvan. This date coincides with the reading of the Torah portion in which Abraham is told by God to go to the Land of Israel. The day acknowledges Aliyah, the immigration of Jews from the diaspora to the State of Israel.

History: The concept of Aliyah has deep historical and religious roots, with waves occurring throughout Jewish history. However, Yom HaAliyah as a modern observance was initiated by grassroots movements and eventually recognized by the Israeli government. It was officially established as a national holiday in 2016.

Traditions: On Aliyah Day, schools across Israel engage in educational programs that emphasize the contribution of immigrants to Israeli society and culture. These activities often include:

• Discussions and Storytelling: Sharing personal stories or tales from relatives about their immigration experiences.
• Cultural Presentations: Showcasing cultural traditions brought by immigrants from various countries.
• Visits from Olim: Inviting new immigrants (Olim) to speak about their motivations for moving to Israel and their experiences since making Aliyah.
• Themed Lessons: Integrating topics surrounding Zionism, Jewish history, and multiculturalism into school curricula.
• Art Projects: Encouraging students to express through art what Aliyah means to them or their families.

The observance serves as an opportunity for educational institutions to highlight the diversity that Olim bring to Israel's social fabric and promote appreciation for their ongoing contributions.