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Dome of the Rock, Jerusalem, Israel

© 123rf.com / Joshua Haviv

Israel Public Holidays

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2011-December 2012 period.

Public holiday note: 

*Only the first and last days of Passover and Sukkot are national holidays, but there may be some disruption on intermediate dates; many shops and businesses may open but close early. The festival of Chanukah is a holiday period, but it is not a national holiday - businesses remain open. Jewish festivals always commence on the evenings before the dates given above.

The Jewish religious day is Saturday (Shabbat) and begins at nightfall on Friday until nightfall on Saturday. Most public services and shops close early on Friday as a result. Muslim and Christian holidays are also observed by the respective populations. Thus, depending on the district, the day of rest falls on Friday, Saturday or Sunday.

2012

March
08
Purim
April
07
Pesach (Passover)
April
26
Yom Ha'Atzmaut (Israel Independence Day)
May
27
Shavuot (Pentecost)
September
17
Rosh Hashana (New Year)
September
26
Yom Kippur (Day of Atonement)
October
01
Sukkot (Tabernacles)
October
09
Simchat Torah
December
09
Chanukah (Festival of Lights)
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