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Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu met with the participants of the International Bible Quiz, the event that is held annually on Independence Day, which is observed in Israel this year on Thursday, 4 Iyar.

Independence Day is actually 5 Iyar but since it falls on erev Shabbos this year so its observance is pushed ahead a day.

Independence Day is a national holiday and all state agencies, banks, the stock exchange and workplaces are closed. Public transportation operates on a holiday schedule.

In fact, many are already closed from Tuesday afternoon as Tuesday evening marks the beginning of Memorial Day ceremonies and that day ends with a sharp transition to celebration on Wednesday night with Independence Day 68.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)