Here is a calendar of upcoming events, up and down the country. Some are organized by us, others by like-minded organizations and groups.
Yom HaZikaron commemorates those who lost their lives in the struggle that led to the establishment of the State of Israel and all military personnel who were killed while in active duty in Israel’s forces.Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, holds deep significance for Israelis. It is observed on the fourth of Iyar, the day preceding Israel’s Independence Day. This day commemorates those who lost their lives in the struggle that led to the establishment of the State of Israel and all military personnel who were killed while in active duty in Israel’s armed forces. Unlike the American Memorial Day, Yom Hazikaron has a distinct character and mood. For 24 hours, from sunset to sunset, all places of public entertainment are closed, including theaters, cinemas, nightclubs, and pubs. The most poignant feature of the day is the sound of a siren heard throughout the country twice: once at 8 p.m. to mark the beginning of Memorial Day, and again at 11 a.m. before the public recitation of prayers in the military cemeteries. During these moments, the entire nation observes a two-minute “standstill” of all traffic and daily activities. Radio and television stations broadcast programs that honor fallen soldiers, often featuring Israeli songs that convey the somber mood of the day. Yom Hazikaron serves as a powerful reminder of the price of Israel’s independence and the ongoing challenges it faces. It fosters a sense of unity and collective responsibility as Israelis come together to honor the memory of those who gave their lives in service to their country. By the time of Yom Hazikaron in 2023, the commemoration honored 24,213 fallen individuals.