Blue skies, white smoke: Israelis celebrate 78 years of independence

Israelis hit parks, promenades and nature sites under Wednesday’s warm sun, holding cookouts and flying kites to celebrate the country’s 78th Independence Day.

Just a few weeks ago, it seemed war with Iran would put a damper on the outdoor festivities typical of the national holiday, including barbecues, picnics and live performances. While some municipalities announced they would scale down celebrations, it appeared that many went about Independence Day as they normally would.

By midday, Jerusalem’s Sacher Park was filled with revelers holding Israeli flags and sporting other blue-and-white memorabilia. Residents tended to grills set up across the grassy expanse as others kicked back on lawn chairs.

On the Tel Aviv promenade, thousands packed the beaches, enjoying the mild April sunshine and cool Mediterranean Sea. At the nearby seaside Charles Clore Park, hundreds of people attended family barbecues and cookouts, with the smoke and smell of grilled meat filling the air.

Further south, the old city of Jaffa was teeming with tourists and locals alike, and the city’s iconic hummus shops and shoreline restaurants were filled to the brim. Dozens of sailboats and other watercraft could be seen skimming the waves, as the spring winds allowed for a lively day on the water.

Across the rest of the country, groups of families and friends wore white and blue and enjoyed the pleasant weather, visiting nature areas, beaches, streams and city parks, taking in the sun and celebrating 78 years of Israel.