Yom HaZikaron Starts

Yom HaZikaron, also known as Israeli Memorial Day, serves as a day of remembrance for the soldiers and victims of terrorism who lost their lives fighting for the State of Israel. This observance serves as a national expression of mourning, reflective contemplation, and deep respect for those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. As a vital aspect of Israeli culture, it carries immense emotional weight, uniting communities across the country in shared grieving.

The tradition of Yom HaZikaron dates back to 1951, originating as a commemoration of soldiers who died during the War of Independence. Its observance was later broadened to include victims of terrorism. Important to note for an American audience is the close proximity of Yom HaZikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut, the Israeli Independence Day. This adjacency of deep national mourning immediately before the celebration of independence is a poignant demonstration of the bitter struggle and ongoing price paid for the establishment and maintenance of the State of Israel. This emotional shift, often referred to as the transition from darkness into light, perhaps resonates with the American tradition of Memorial Day, a time of remembrance followed by Independence Day celebrations.

Observances of Yom HaZikaron within America are conducted by Israeli communities, Jewish organizations, and synagogues, often including ceremonies, prayer services, and communal gatherings. Much like how Memorial Day is observed in the U.S, there's an emphasis on remembering fallen soldiers, with commemoration events often incorporating moments of silence, speeches, and the recitation of names of those who have died. There is no set date for the observance within America as the date is based on the Hebrew calendar, but Yom HaZikaron generally falls in April or May.