Tension was high. The British were leaving the next day. Egyptian bombers were expected over the skies of Tel Aviv. The next day the land would be invaded by a number of Arab armies. At this precise moment the leader of the Jewish community understood he had to act. David Ben Gurion called a meeting for Friday afternoon, May 14th, 1948. During the meeting which lasted 22 minutes, The modern State of Israel was declared. When you come to Independence Hall you are treated to some of the best guides in Israel who will set the scene for you. The rest is pure emotion.