Herzl Day 2026

Herzl Day is observed on the 10th of Iyar, the Hebrew date of Theodor Herzl's death in 1904. Herzl is known as the father of modern political Zionism and the visionary behind the establishment of a Jewish state. He convened the First Zionist Congress in Basel, Switzerland in 1897.

The official state ceremony is held at Herzl's grave on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, attended by national leaders. Schools conduct educational programs about Herzl's life, the Zionist movement, and the founding of the state. The Israel Prize ceremony is also traditionally held on this day, recognizing outstanding contributions to Israeli society.