Israel’s Knesset Proposes National Aliyah Day

A bill was introduced in the Israeli Knesset last week that would establish a national holiday to recognize and celebrate aliyah, or immigration to Israel, JTA reports. The 10th of Nissan, which was selected to become the annual Yom HaAliyah, marks the date of the first-ever mass immigration in Jewish history. According to the Book of Joshua, that was the date the Jews crossed the Jordan River into Israel after the exodus from Egypt, ending their 40 years in the desert.

The proposed national holiday would include official ceremonies, school events, and a Knesset discussion highlighting the contribution of immigrants to the State of Israel. The bill is sponsored by the Committee for Immigration, Absorption and Diaspora Affairs, but Knesset members from across the political spectrum have indicated their support for the legislation.

It may be a while until Israelis get to celebrate Aliyah Day, though—the bill won’t become law in time for the 10th of Nissan, which this year falls on April 10. The legislative process will continue in June when the Knesset meets for its summer session.