The ceremony marking Israel’s 66th Independence Day this year will be dedicated to the “Era of Women.” For the first time, all the people participating in the traditional torch-lighting ceremony will be women.

The ceremony, which takes place on Mount Herzl, beside the tomb of the visionary of the State of Israel Theodor Herzl, concludes the events of Remembrance Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism, and opens the Independence Day celebrations. Over the years, the ceremony has become the major event marking Independence Day Eve and is broadcast live on all the major television and radio stations.

The highlight of the ceremony is the lighting of 12 torches, “for the glory of the State of Israel.” The people who light the torches are selected by a public committee, based on the theme that was chosen for the ceremony in that particular year, to offer a faithful representation of the complexity of Israeli society in all its many layers. There are long-time Israelis and new immigrants, Jews and minorities, secular and religious, men and women, people in uniform and civilians, young and old.

The selection of every one of the people who light the torches is also an expression of recognition and admiration for their contributions to their communities, to society, to education, thought, culture, science, sports and acts of heroism and sacrifice ensuring the security of the State of Israel. Sometimes the families of the fallen are selected to light a torch after having lost more than one family member to the wars or terrorism.