Bill to set Independence Day on Thursdays only

Proposal calling for fixed date for holiday passes first legislative hurdle

A bill working its way through the Knesset would anchor Independence Day to a day of the week, instead of it being celebrated on the Hebrew calendar anniversary of the country’s independence.

The bill, which was passed by the Ministerial Committee for Legislation, paving its way to the Knesset plenum, would set the Thursday of the week of the anniversary as the day for the holiday.

The bill was proposed by MK Lia Shemtov of Yisrael Beytenu.

The holiday has been celebrated every Thursday for the last few years, as the actual anniversary fell on the weekend, necessitating it being pushed forward.

Israel’s Independence was declared on Friday May 14, 1948, which coincided with the fifth day of Iyar in the Hebrew calendar.

Tourism Minister Stav Misezhnikov (Yisrael Beytenu), who heads the state committee on symbols and observances, said anchoring the date would also keep the holiday from falling in the middle of the week, affecting work schedules.