Israelis mark muted Independence Day amid ongoing fires

by Times of Israel staff

(TOI) – Ruinous wildfires extinguished many festivities for Israel’s 77th Independence Day on Thursday May 1, as authorities announced sweeping restrictions on grill-outs and closed some national parks and nature reserves.

Nevertheless, some 110,000 Israelis took to local parks and reserves that remained open, according to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, and many held barbecues in areas where it was permitted. Some 2,200 hikers camped out, the authority added.

Firefighters continued their efforts Thursday to gain control over the blazes that wreaked havoc in the forested hills of the capital Wednesday. The fires prompted authorities to announce a nationwide ban on lighting fires in open areas, forcing celebrants to hold their barbecues on balconies, private lawns and other authorized spaces. The ban is set to last for a week, until May 7, fire officials said.

Fed by strong winds and stifling heat, several large wildfires broke out in the wooded hills west of Jerusalem, closing a major highway and forcing residents of 10 communities to evacuate on Memorial Day, which immediately precedes Independence Day.

With winds gusting at over 100 kilometers per hour (60 mph) in some areas, authorities canceled Independence Day torch-lighting ceremonies nationwide, including the main ceremony at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl.

Thursday morning brought gentler breezes and significantly cooler temperatures, helping firefighters beat back the blazes, but officials warned fire risks remained high, with stronger winds expected as the day wore on.

In Jerusalem, President Isaac Herzog went ahead with an annual Independence Day salute to soldiers at his official residence Thursday morning, giving an address in which he warned that weather-related disruptions would not go away anytime soon.

“This fire is part of the climate crisis, which must not be ignored,” he told attendees. “It requires us to prepare for serious and significant challenges and to make decisions — including appropriate legislation.”

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