HistoryFebruary 14, 1949
First Knesset Convenes
On this day, February 14, 1949, Israel’s First Knesset held its inaugural session in Jerusalem. Yosef Sprinzak was elected speaker.
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HistoryJuly 1940
Max Bodenheimer Dies in Jerusalem
In July 1940, Max Bodenheimer died in Jerusalem. He had accompanied Theodor Herzl to Constantinople and Palestine in 1898.
HistoryMarch 12, 1915
Alexandria Refugees Resolve to Form a Jewish Legion
On March 12, 1915, Jewish refugees in Alexandria signed a resolution to form a Jewish legion and offer it to Britain.
HistoryMarch 26, 1979
Egypt and Israel Sign a Peace Treaty
On this day, March 26, 1979, Anwar Sadat and Menachem Begin signed the Egypt–Israel peace treaty in Washington, witnessed by Jimmy Carter.
HistoryJune 22, 1948
The IDF Shells the Altalena
On June 22, 1948, IDF guns set the Altalena on fire off Tel Aviv. Sixteen Irgun fighters and three soldiers were killed in the confrontation.
HistoryAugust 7, 1955
Bar-Ilan University Opens
On this day, August 7, 1955, Bar-Ilan University opened in Ramat Gan. The plan had been formed by American Mizrachi leaders around 1950.
HistoryMarch 11, 2021
Operation Tzur Israel Ends
On March 11, 2021, the last flight of Operation Tzur Israel landed, bringing the airlift to about 2,000 Ethiopian immigrants.
HistoryAugust 22, 2005
Israel Completes the Evacuation of Gaza Settlements
On August 22, 2005, Israel finished removing residents from the Gaza settlements. Four West Bank settlements were cleared the next day.
HistoryMay 14, 1948
Israel Declares Independence
On May 14, 1948, David Ben-Gurion read the Declaration of Independence at the Tel Aviv Museum, eight hours before the British Mandate ended.
HistoryMay 18, 1971
The Night of the Panthers
On May 18, 1971, about 6,000 people rallied in Jerusalem against discrimination toward Mizrahi Jews. Police and protesters clashed.
HistoryMay 18, 1965
Syria Hangs Eli Cohen
On this day, May 18, 1965, Syrian authorities hanged Eli Cohen in Damascus. He had been convicted of spying for Israel.
HistoryJuly 5, 1950
Knesset Passes the Law of Return
On this day, July 5, 1950, the Knesset passed the Law of Return, stating that every Jew has the right to come to Israel as an oleh.