Torch-lighting Ceremony (Israel)

Torch-lighting ceremony (Hebrew: טקס הדלקת המשואות) is the official ceremony that marks the closure of the Yom Hazikaron commemorations and the opening of the Independence Day celebrations in Israel. The Ceremony is held annually at the burial site of Theodor Herzl, the Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, and is officiated by the Speaker of the Knesset. The ceremony is attended by the government ministers, members of the Knesset, the Chief of General Staff, members of the diplomatic staff, IDF veterans and a number of citizens who are accommodated in three pavilions with around 5,000 seats temporarily set up around the compound.

The ceremony, which is broadcast live on the main television and radio channels, is designed to give the Day a dignified and festive atmosphere. The lighting of 12 torches that symbolize the Twelve Tribes of Israel by people who are seen to have made an outstanding contribution to society is the ceremony's highlight, alongside music performances, dances, parades and fireworks. The ceremony is directed by the Information Center of the Ministry of Culture and Sport. The commander of the ceremony between 1983 and 2016 was Colonel David Rokni, and since 2017 is Lieutenant Colonel Shimon Deri.