Yom Hazikaron

Yom HaZikaron is Israel's official remembrance day, solemnly commemorating the fallen soldiers and victims of terror. Drawing from Jewish tradition, it is aimed at honoring each individual life lost while defending the country or suffering terrorist attacks, rather than highlighting the large-scale tragedies. It serves as an opportunity for personal reflection, respect, and remembrance among Israelis and the Jewish community worldwide, allowing a moment of unity in the shared memory of those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

While Yom HaZikaron was initially established to honor the memory of soldiers who fell in the 1948 War of Independence, it has since expanded to include all military personnel and innocent civilians struck down by acts of terror. The Observance gained its legal status in 1963 with the passing of the Remembrance Day Law. For the Israeli community, this day is deeply personal; almost everyone knows someone or is connected to someone who has been lost. Hence, it holds significant importance in shaping Israel's national memory and identity.

Yom HaZikaron is marked by a series of somber ceremonies and rituals, many of which take place in military cemeteries throughout Israel. A nationwide siren is sounded in the evening signaling the beginning of Yom HaZikaron, and again the following morning, whereupon the entire country comes to a standstill in silent tribute. Public entertainment venues are closed, and radio and TV programming focus on stories and songs of remembrance. This day of collective mourning is observed annually, beginning at sunset on the 4th of Iyar and ending the following evening, according to the Jewish calendar. Following Yom HaZikaron, the mood dramatically shifts as Israel transitions into the celebration of its independence - Yom HaAtzma'ut.