Yom HaZikaron is Israel Memorial Day. It was originally established to remember the soldiers in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) who were killed in the Israel’s wars, including the conflicts before the establishment of the State of Israel. Today, the day commemorates not only the soldiers who fought in Israel’s wars, but all Israelis who have been killed as a result of terrorist activities in the country.
Yom HaZikaron takes place on the 4th day of Iyar and immediately precedes Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, which falls on the 5th day of Iyar. For the year 2010, this Memorial is observed on Monday, April 19. The reason for linking the two observance is because the State of Israel owes its independence and its existence to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for its creation.
In Israel, memorial ceremonies are held throughout the country. For the duration of the holiday (from sunset to sunset), all places of public entertainment, including theaters and pubs, are closed. The official memorial begins at sundown at the Kotel when a one-minute siren sounds. Israeli citizens stand in silence to commemorate and respect the war dead and the victims of present-day terrorists.
The following morning, a two-minute siren is sounded, beginning a strictly observed period of silence, when the public ceremonies begin. The Israeli flag is lowered to half-mast. Private prayers and memorials are held at the various cemeteries throughout the country where Israeli soldiers and terrorist victims are buried. At the end of the memorial day, the Israeli flag is returned to full-mast, which marks the official opening ceremony of the Israel Independence Day. The official ceremony for this holiday begins on Mount Herzl.
Although Yom HaZikaron is not a religious commemoration, it is a part of life in Israel and is strictly observed.
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