Dr. Emily AronoffCelebrate Israel’s Birthday with Music, Movement, and Joy
Every year, Jewish people around the world celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s birthday!
In Hebrew, Yom HaAtzmaut (pronounced “yohm ha-ahtz-mah-OOT”) means “Day of Independence.” While that’s a big word for little learners, I like to explain it simply:
“Israel has been a special place for Jewish people for thousands of years, but only recently became its own country. We’re celebrating Israel’s Independence, that means that Israel is the boss of Israel, not some other person or place”
In my classrooms and community gatherings, we treat this day like a birthday party—full of music, movement, and celebration. Special foods, songs, and stories can highlight the beautiful diversity that is Israel. This collection is designed to help young children and their grown-ups build joyful connections to Israel and Yom HaAtzmaut celebration through music and movement.
A Note for Educators and Caregivers
Teaching about Israel is complex—especially in today’s climate. That complexity shouldn’t stop us from engaging children with joy, honesty, and care.
Plan your language ahead of time, and don’t hesitate to seek a thought partner. If a child raises a difficult question, it’s okay to redirect with respect and valitation. For example:
“You’ve heard that Israel is having a terrible time with some of its neighbors. That’s an excellent question to ask your grown-ups at home. During music time, we’re focusing on…”
Let’s celebrate through song. 🎶
Looking to explore even more Hebrew vocabulary through music? Check out my curated playlist:
10 Yom HaAtzmaut Songs for Kiddos
1. Yom Huledet Sameach (Happy Birthday)
We start our celebration the same way we celebrate a child’s birthday—by singing “Happy Birthday to You” with “dear Israel.” Then we add the Hebrew version “Yom Huledet Sameach” in Hebrew (as is so often shared in Jewish settings on a child’s bday).
Vocabulary Boost:
- Yom = Day (as in Yom Kippur)
- Huledet = Birth
- Sameach = Happy (as in Chag Sameach)
This is a wonderful opportunity to help children hear and repeat simple Hebrew vocabulary, while reinforcing the feeling that Israel’s birthday is a simcha we get to celebrate together!
2. Israel’s Color Scarf Song (Original by Dr. Emily)
A playful, sensory-rich song to reinforce Israel’s flag colors using scarves.
Lyrics: Lavan is white and kachol is blue, Israel’s colors in Hebrew (x2) Let’s wave them up, then toss them high— Am Yisrael Chai! (x2)
This song gives children a chance to engage visually and kinesthetically with Israel’s symbols. I hold up each scarf and pause to let children fill in the Hebrew color. Some toddlers play peekaboo while others joyfully toss their scarf in the air at chai—it’s all developmentally appropriate and joyfully connecting.
3. Am Yisrael Chai – Traditional
This classic melody means “The people of Israel are alive!” It’s joyful, powerful, and deeply rooted in our people’s story.
I encourage educators to use the tune that is most familiar in their community and connect it to resilience and presence. If you are in a synagogue setting, check with the clergy to see if they have a favorite!
I often say, “I’m part of Am Yisrael, and you’re part of Am Yisrael—let’s sing that we’re alive!”
This phrase is a declaration of resilience, hope, and Jewish continuity—alive and singing.
I often pair this song with scarves, too- continuing to toss on the word ‘chai’!
4. Am Yisrael Chai – Eyal Golan Version
I love the video of this modern version by Israeli artist Eyal Golan that blends contemporary rhythm with visuals that show the rich diversity of Israel’s people—religiously, ethnically, and culturally.
I like to show this version when a screen is available and ask children what they notice in the images: the landscapes, the outfits, the instruments. It becomes a visual storytelling moment. We dance along- some kids are going to want to watch, others will want to move- some will do both. It is good to be able to invite multiple paths to participation.
5. We’re Riding on a Camel (Original by Dr. Emily)
I wrote this silly lap song while bouncing my baby on my lap. It invites grown-ups and children to share rhythmic connection while exploring a key feature of Israel’s geography: desert.
Lyrics sample:
We’re riding on a camel, riding on a camel, upon the hump—whoa, there’s a BUMP! We’re visiting Beer Sheva… (insert action)….upon the bump- whoa, there’s a BUMP
Lap songs are powerful for connection and regulation. Children face their caregiver, move to rhythm, and experience predictable joy. If you’re leading this in a group setting, you can have children take turns being the camel rider or sit two on each leg if you’ve developed that skill.
6. Rooty Toot Yom HaAtzmaut – Ellen Allard
This silly cumulative movement song helps kids practice the tricky Hebrew words Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) and builds sequencing skills. I start by having the kids echo me as we add each move, then speed it up at the end for a chaotic, giggly finale.
This supports working memory, sequencing, and joyful engagement. Real learning happens in real laughter.
7. Traveling Along to Yisrael – Ellen Allard
I lead children as we walk in a circle for the chorus, then pause to see an image of each Israeli location mentioned—Masada, the shuk, the Dead Sea, and more.
We “travel” through Israel with our bodies and imaginations, and the printed visuals help children begin to associate names with places.
Resource: Printable Canva Prop Set
8. Tamid Ohev Oti
Originally released in June 2024, “Tamid Ohev Oti” (“Always Loves Me”) was written and composed by Israeli artist Yair Elitzur, with lyrics inspired by Rabbi Shalom Arush’s teachings. The song expresses a deep, unwavering faith in God’s constant love and support, even amidst personal struggles and national challenges.
This message resonated deeply with many, especially in the wake of the October 7 attacks, becoming an anthem of hope and resilience across Israel.
The song’s popularity led to numerous covers by various artists, each bringing their unique style and interpretation. My favorite is ths Itzik Dadya version.
Tamid Ohev Oti reminds us that Jewish music can carry both grief and joy—that even songs born in heartbreak can become sources of hope and healing.
Many kids already know this song, and they light up the moment they hear the opening lines.
9. The Hope – Rick Recht
Rick Recht’s song “The Hope” is a powerful anthem that intertwines Jewish history, resilience, and the enduring dream of a homeland. Ideal for Pre-K and up, this powerful echo song builds participation and reflection.
I typically omit the bridge with younger kids.
10. HaTikvah – Israel’s National Anthem
I teach kiddos that each country has a special song called an anthem, and I often belt a few bars of the Star Spangled Banner as an example, often sparking connections like “I heard that at my brother’s football game” or “that song was at the parade”!.
HaTikvah, meaning “The Hope,” was originally a poem written by Naftali Herz Imber in the 1880s. Its words captured the longing of the Jewish people to return to their homeland after centuries of diaspora. The melody was adapted from a European folk tune and became a rallying cry for Jewish resilience and return. It was later adopted as Israel’s national anthem.
The lyrics—”To be a free people in our land, the land of Zion and Jerusalem”—express a collective dream that spans generations.
When I introduce it to children, I talk about how people around the world know this song and sing it to show that they care about Israel and want Jewish people to have a safe, free place to live.
Rather than teach HaTikvah line by line, I expose learners to multiple beautiful renditions to celebrate its emotional and historical weight. Showing diverse versions allows children to see different expressions of pride, unity, and tradition—all anchored in a shared melody of hope.
If the children that can read and sing I always provide the lyrics and teach that we stand to show respect as we share this song (I don’t expect a 2 year old to learn that yet- if they are in a multi-age environment, it can certainly be modeled, but expecting toddlers to stand still and at attention is not developmentally appropriate).
Music as a Bridge to Connection
These 10 songs help young children connect to Israel with joy, movement, and meaning.
Whether you’re in a classroom, at Sunday School, or gathered at home, this playlist can bring Israel’s birthday to life through Jewish music and memory.
🎶 Am Yisrael Chai. Always.
P.S. Love this kind of resource?
Check out Songleading for Kiddos—my self-paced online course that helps Jewish educators and songleaders create joyful, developmentally appropriate music experiences for children ages 0–10.
