This year Israel's Independence Day is on Wednesday night and Thursday (May 7-8, 2008). On Israel's Independence Day, Israelis packs their picnic baskets with charcoal, lots of meat, salads, pita bread and hummus. The country's parks are dotted with families outdoors barbecuing and enjoying "The Land." Even if you can't be picnicking outside in Israel this year, you can still enjoy a traditional Israel Independence Day meal.

_{Photo of Pita being made in Tel Aviv © 2006 Giora Shimoni, licensed to About.com, Inc}