Memorial Day
April 30, Wednesday
Date and Time of Commemoration
Yom HaZikaron is observed annually on the day before Israel's Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut). Its date varies according to the Hebrew calendar, typically falling in April or May.
Start and Traditions
- The day begins in the evening with a minute of silence, accompanied by the sound of sirens throughout the country.
- People stop what they are doing, interrupt their activities, and stand respectfully in silence.
Commemorative Ceremonies
- Official ceremonies are held at cemeteries and memorial sites.
- The president and high-ranking officials participate in events where the names of the fallen are read.
- Families of the deceased hold private memorials at home.
Features
- All educational institutions and organizations host thematic events and lectures.
- Television and radio broadcast documentaries, music, and programs dedicated to the memory of the fallen.
Connection to Yom Ha’atzmaut
The transition from a day of mourning to the celebration of Independence Day highlights the close link between the sacrifices made for freedom and Israel’s state sovereignty.