Yom HaZikaron usually falls in April and this year it is observed from April 24 to April 25, this year. It is an Israeli memorial day marked by the observance of silence and respect for the martyrs of Israel’s War of Independence. Yom HaZikaron is followed by the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut which is the Independence day of Israel. The celebration of Yom HaZikaron conveys the message that Israel owes its independence to soldiers who sacrificed their lives for its existence. This day mourns the martyrs in the fight for Israel’s independence.
History of Yom HaZikaron
In 1949, the sacrifices and services of the soldiers in Israel’s War of Independence were originally acknowledged on Israel’s Independence Day. However, it was emotionally confusing since observers were unsure whether to mourn the death of the soldiers who gave their lives for the country’s freedom or to celebrate liberation. Ultimately, the relatives of the martyrs suggested creating a separate national memorial day of mourning.David Ben-Gurion, Israel’s minister of defense at the time, announced, in 1951, that the General Memorial Day for the Heroes of the War of Independence (Yom HaZikaron) will be observed on the fourth of Iyar each year. In 1963, the parliament changed the name to Heroes’ Remembrance Day after which it went through further amendment and finally became Memorial Day for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars Law in 1980. After these changes, this memorial day was not only limited to martyrs of the War of Independence but also included all the fallen soldiers in pre-state battles and every person who sacrificed their life such as police officers, Mossad, victims of terrorism, etc. Memorial Day starts at sunset the night before and celebrations occur throughout the day.
Yom HaZikaron timeline
Yom HaZikaron is observed for soldiers who died in the War of Independence.
Israelis killed in terror attacks are remembered on Yom HaZikaron.
Parents who lost their lives in terror attacks or war are included in the Yom HaZikaron memorial.
The idea of Yom HaZikaron is expanded and the widows of service officers and soldiers are also honored.
Yom HaZikaron FAQs
What do you do on Yom HaZikaron?
Fallen military officers are honored and all entertainment activities are ceased. An atmosphere of grief hangs over Israel. Various ceremonies are held for the deceased.
What time does the siren ring?
It rings two times. The first siren can be heard at 8 P.M. on the eve of Yom HaZikaron and the second one rings at 11 A.M. the next day.
What does ‘Yom’ mean?
‘Yom’ is a Hebrew word and its root meaning is ‘hot as a warm hour of the day.’ In this context ‘Yom’ means ‘day.’
How to Observe Yom HaZikaron
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Cease activities during the siren
On this day, people cease all activities and stand in respect for the fallen soldiers when a sound of a siren is heard twice during the day: at 8 P.M. on the eve of Yom HaZikaron and at 11 A.M. A two-minute moment of silence is observed by the nation.
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Arrange ceremonies
Arrange public ceremonies or join the national ceremony arranged by the government. Various poems and songs are recited during these ceremonies. Many schools have memorials for those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
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Offer prayers
People offer memorial prayers for the martyrs. These include Yizkor (memorial prayer), El Malei Rachamim, and Mourner’s Kaddish. Some prayers are recited during different ceremonies.
5 Facts About Yom HaZikaron
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War of Independence
4,000 military officers and 2,400 civilians were killed in the War of Independence.
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1973 War
Israel lost its 2,569 soldiers during the Arab-Israel war of 1973.
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Bus 405
The death toll of the Bus 405 suicide attack reached 16 deaths.
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Sinai Bombing
Sinai bombings occurred in 2004, which took the lives of 34 people.
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Jerusalem bus attack
The latest attack occurred in 2016 and luckily no lives were lost, however, 20 people were injured.
Why We Observe Yom HaZikaron
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To pay tribute to soldiers
Yom HaZikaron is celebrated to pay respect to all the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Israel owes its existence to all the martyrs of the War of Independence as well as those who lost their lives either to protect Israel or in terrorist attacks.
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It brings about unity
Bonds are strengthened when people simultaneously cease their activities at the sound of the siren and show respect for the fallen. This provides a perfect example of unity.
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Grief before joy
The observance of Yom HaZikaron just a day before Yom HaAtzmaut serves to remind people to pay their respects to the fallen and their families before participating in the joyous celebration of the country’s Independence.
Yom HaZikaron dates
Year | Date | Day |
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2022 | May 4 | Wednesday |
2023 | April 24 | Monday |
2024 | May 12 | Sunday |
2025 | April 29 | Tuesday |
2026 | April 20 | Monday |