Israel (IL)
Start-Up Nation with world-class tech ecosystem, rich ancient history, stunning Mediterranean beaches, and a vibrant expat and immigrant community.
Capital: Jerusalem
Region: Middle East
Language: Hebrew
Currency: ILS (₪)
Cost of living: Expensive (index 72)
Emergency: 100
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Public Holidays 2026
14 holidays in Israel. Some may vary by region.
January 2026
Thu 1
New Year's Day Public Holiday
ראש השנה הלועזי
Gregorian New Year. Observed but not an official Jewish holiday; most businesses open, government offices may close.
March 2026
Tue 3
Purim Public Holiday
פורים
Festival of Esther. Costume celebrations, Megillah reading, mishloach manot (gift-giving). Schools closed. Big street parties in Tel Aviv.
April 2026
Thu 2
Passover (Pesach) — First Day Public Holiday
פסח — יום ראשון
First day of Passover. Seder night (first night). All chametz (leavened bread) must be removed. Many businesses closed for the full week.
Wed 8
Passover (Pesach) — Last Day (Shvi'i shel Pesach) Public Holiday
שביעי של פסח
Last day of Passover in Israel (7 days, not 8). Public holiday. Marks the crossing of the Red Sea.
Tue 14
Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom HaShoah) Public Holiday
יום הזיכרון לשואה ולגבורה
National day of mourning. Two-minute siren at 10am — all traffic stops. Entertainment venues close. Not a public holiday per se but businesses close and solemn atmosphere prevails across the country.
Tue 21
Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron) Public Holiday
יום הזיכרון לחללי מערכות ישראל
Remembrance day for fallen soldiers and terror victims. Opens at sunset the night before Independence Day. Sirens at 8pm (eve) and 11am. Deeply solemn. Entertainment venues closed.
Wed 22
Independence Day (Yom HaAtzmaut) Public Holiday
יום העצמאות
Israel's national independence day. Celebrated with fireworks, barbecues (mangal), concerts, and street parties. The atmosphere shifts dramatically from mourning (Memorial Day) to celebration at nightfall. Major national holiday.
May 2026
Fri 22
Shavuot Public Holiday
שבועות
Festival of Weeks/Pentecost. Marks receiving the Torah at Mount Sinai and the wheat harvest. Traditional all-night Torah study. Dairy foods (cheesecake, blintzes) are traditional. Public holiday.
September 2026
Fri 11
Rosh Hashana — Day 1 Public Holiday
ראש השנה — יום א׳
Jewish New Year (Year 5787). Two-day holiday. Shofar (ram's horn) blown in synagogue. Traditional foods: apple and honey, round challah, pomegranate. Country shuts down almost entirely.
Sat 12
Rosh Hashana — Day 2 Public Holiday
ראש השנה — יום ב׳
Second day of Rosh Hashana. Public holiday. Continuation of new year prayers and family gatherings.
Sun 20
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement) Public Holiday
יום כיפור
Holiest day of the Jewish year. The entire country stops: no flights, no public transport, no radio/TV broadcasts, minimal car traffic. Streets fill with cyclists. 25-hour fast. Even secular Israelis observe. Do not drive on Yom Kippur.
Fri 25
Sukkot — First Day Public Holiday
סוכות — יום א׳
Festival of Tabernacles. First day is a public holiday. Week-long festival with sukkah booths erected everywhere. Lulav and etrog shaken in prayer. Family-oriented outdoor festival.
October 2026
Fri 2
Shmini Atzeret / Simchat Torah Public Holiday
שמיני עצרת / שמחת תורה
Culmination of the holiday season. Torah scroll cycle completed. Dancing with Torah scrolls (hakafot) in synagogues. Public holiday — Israel combines Shmini Atzeret and Simchat Torah on the same day.
December 2026
Fri 4
Hanukkah (first night) Optional
חנוכה
Festival of Lights. 8-night celebration (December 4–11, 2026). Not an official public holiday but schools have reduced hours and menorahs (hanukkiyot) are lit everywhere. Sufganiyot (jelly doughnuts) are ubiquitous. Offices and businesses remain open.
Note: Some holidays in Israel apply only to specific regions or states. Check local regulations for your area.