Israel at 60: Israel celebrates Independence Day

President Bush and other world leaders are due in Israel for the holiday. Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948
 
Celebrations for the 60th anniversary of Israel's regaining its independence will begin on Wednesday evening of 7 May throughout the country, continuing throughout Thursday, 8 May. Parades, concerts, and fireworks are planned nationwide. President Bush and other world leaders are due in Israel for the holiday.
 
Israel declared independence on May 14, 1948, which is why some official events will be held on that date even though the date is marked in Israel according to the Hebrew calendar and thus falls this year on May 8.