A week after Holocaust Day, it’s time to pause for thought again with another sombre commemoration of Israel’s fallen. This time it’s Yom HaZikaron, or Memorial Day, which remembers Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terror.
This day is officially an Israeli national holiday, but people sometimes work a short day if they’re not attending some kind of service, of which there are many many throughout Israel. Public places of entertainment are usually closed, as are many cafes and restaurants. The whole country seems to come to a standstill and television and radio broadcasts are devoted to paying their respects to the fallen. Many haunting tales of bravery and loss are recounted on TV over these 24 hours and it can prove emotionally draining for many. Personally I find it very hard to watch. I’m perhaps fortunate not to have any personal connection to this day, but there are countless families in Israel that do of course.
As is custom with all Jewish holidays, events begin the evening before at 8pm, with a one-minute siren during which Israelis stand in silence, remembering the fallen and to show their respect. The following morning a two-minute siren is heard at 11:00, which marks the opening of the official memorial ceremonies and private remembrance gatherings at many of Israel’s cemeteries. The day officially ends at sunset and is immediately followed by celebrations for Israel’s Independence Day, when the flag of Israel is returned to full mast.
It always seems a bit strange to have such an intense day of mourning and remembrance followed by such a happy celebratory day but in another way it’s understandable, reminding Israelis of the price they paid for independence. As most of the nation has some sort of connection to the armed services and hence a connection to the price Israel has paid throughout its existence, the importance of both days is not forgotten.
Expect to see many Israeli flags about during this week, including the obligatory two flags on cars.