Thousands of residents attended Independence Day events, which were postponed by a day due to the state of emergency that prevailed in the Shfela area due to fires and extreme weather conditions. The following day, the municipality worked diligently to ensure that the events would take place throughout the city, in accordance with security and firefighting guidelines.
On April 30, the eve of Independence Day, the Ministry of National Security declared a state of emergency due to extensive fires that broke out in various locations in the Shfela area, including Canada Park, the Eshtaol Forest, and Latrun. The fires raged from noon until night, and many firefighting forces, including firefighters from the Ayalon Station in Modi'in, worked for long hours to extinguish the fires.
Following the situation, Mayor Haim Bibas conducted ongoing situation assessments with all emergency and security agencies, and in coordination with fire and rescue services, it was decided to postpone the Independence Day Eve events planned in the city.
The following day, Thursday, May 1, the municipality informed city residents that the events would take place – with adjustments in accordance with safety guidelines. The event at Givat HaBroshim was canceled due to weather conditions and firefighting guidelines, but the other events took place as scheduled and on the new date.
The postponement of the events did not affect the celebrations: thousands of residents – families, youth, young people and adults – participated in the city’s events and enjoyed a happy, community and safe atmosphere. A colorful main show was held at the Emek HaHula Park Amphitheater, which included a spectacular performance by local dance troupes in an original municipal production, and performances by leading artists: Ran Danker, Liran Danino and Margie.
In Anabe Park, residents celebrated with local musical ensembles, an exciting performance by Yonatan Razel and a children’s performance by Hani Nachmias, who closed the stage at the Ulpana.
Independence Day events went smoothly, with full attention to order, accessibility, and safety. Security forces, supervision, and municipal policing were reinforced, and many municipal teams helped make the events a success – which this year were a symbol of unity, community responsibility, and municipal resilience.
