Israel’s 78th Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut 2026) began at sundown and continues through today, April 22, 2026. Across the country, the atmosphere is unmistakable—blue and white flags waving, families gathered around barbecues, music filling the streets, and fireworks lighting the skies from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

This celebration follows Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, when the nation pauses to honor fallen soldiers and victims of terror. The transition from remembrance to celebration is one of the most powerful moments in Israel’s national life—grief giving way to gratitude, and sorrow to joy.

The modern State of Israel was declared on May 14, 1948, when David Ben-Gurion announced the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Eretz Yisrael after nearly 2,000 years of exile, persecution, and the Holocaust.

Israel’s existence stands as a living fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel and the Jewish people. Genesis 12:7 declares, “To your offspring I will give this land,” and Psalm 137 reflects the enduring longing for Jerusalem: “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, let my right hand forget its skill.” Isaiah 66:8 asks, “Can a country be born in a day or a nation be brought forth in a moment?”—a question often reflected upon in light of Israel’s rebirth in 1948.

Today, as Israel marks 78 years of statehood amid an ongoing war, the story remains one of resilience, return, and restoration. A people scattered across the nations, have come home to their ancestral Land.

At Operation Exodus USA, we are honored to stand in this moment by supporting Jewish families making Aliyah from the USA. Every return home is a story of courage, faith, and fulfillment. It is our privilege to pray for them, walk alongside them, and provide practical support as they step into life in Israel.

The “Prayer for the State of Israel,” composed by the Chief Rabbinate in 1948, continues to be recited widely today:

“Our Father in Heaven, Rock and Redeemer of Israel, bless the State of Israel… strengthen the hands of its defenders… and spread over it the shelter of Your peace…”

As Israel celebrates another year of independence, they continue to fight for their very existence, we are reminded that this is a story of victory—written by God Himself—of a nation restored, a people returning, and the promise of redemption still unfolding.

Thank you for standing with us and for your continued support. Let us continue to stand strong for Israel and her people. Our faith is in the God of Israel who is gathering His children home from the diaspora.

John Prosser, President, OEUSA
and the OEUSA Leadership Team