5 Iyar

1948- The British government announced that the British Mandate of Palestine will terminate on 15 May 1948. As 15 May fell on Shabbat, the Jewish leaders of the (then-named) Palestine proclaimed the independence of the State of Israel on Friday, 14 May 1948, before sunset (5 Iyar 5708). Israel's "Independence Day" is celebrated on 5 Iyar.