Modern commemorations
Yom HaZikaronיוֹם הַזִּכָּרוֹן
1 day (memorial gatherings in communities) · 4 Iyar (shifted so that neither Memorial Day nor Independence Day touches Shabbat)
- History
- Modern practice
- Transliteration
- Yom HaZikaron
- Pronunciation
- JOM ha-zi-ka-RON
- Duration
- Israel: 1 day (from evening to evening)
Diaspora: 1 day (memorial gatherings in communities)
In 60 seconds
Yom HaZikaron is Israel's day of remembrance for soldiers who fell in the struggles for the state and, since 1997, also for civilian victims of terror. It falls on 4 Iyar, the day before Independence Day, so that the transition from mourning to celebration recalls the price of independence. Sirens sound in the evening and in the morning (one minute in the evening, two minutes in the morning), and the whole country comes to a halt. Families visit military cemeteries, and state ceremonies are held at the Western Wall and on Mount Herzl. Entertainment venues are closed. In the evening the day turns into the celebrations of Yom HaAtzma'ut.
Next date
When
Begins
Monday, 10 May 2027, at sunset (20:34)
Ends
Tuesday, 11 May 2027, after nightfall (21:34)
1 day
Begins
Sunday, 30 April 2028, at sunset (20:20)
Ends
Monday, 1 May 2028, after nightfall (21:17)
1 day
Begins
Tuesday, 17 April 2029, at sunset (19:59)
Ends
Wednesday, 18 April 2029, after nightfall (20:53)
1 day
Times for Prague · Diaspora
History and origins
Memorial Day was separated from Independence Day in the early 1950s and enshrined in law in 1963. It includes those who fell from the beginnings of modern settlement. Since 1997 civilian victims of terrorist attacks have also been commemorated.
Religious meaning
The direct link with Independence Day expresses the Israeli view that the existence of the state has been paid for in human lives. For many families the transition to the celebrations is painful; others understand it as the meaning of the sacrifice.
The day enjoys broad consensus in Israeli society; at the same time, in recent decades joint Israeli-Palestinian memorial events have also appeared, and they provoke controversy.
Core traditions
Families and friends visit the graves of the fallen; schools hold ceremonies and read the names of fallen alumni. Flags fly at half-mast on public buildings and people light memorial candles.
How it is observed
In the evening a one-minute siren sounds, and at 11:00 in the morning a two-minute siren. The law closes entertainment venues from the eve of the day. Television and radio broadcast memorial programs and subdued music.
Prayers and blessings
At the ceremonies Yizkor (the memorial prayer), El Malei Rachamim and kaddish are recited. The Yizkor text for fallen Israeli soldiers has its own modern wording.
Symbols and objects
The symbol of the day is the red flower dam ha-maccabim (literally "blood of the Maccabees"), used on memorial pins, along with flags at half-mast.
Traditional foods
There are no established special dishes.
Differences between communities
Israeli society observes the day generally; Arab citizens of Israel relate to it differently, and some Haredi communities do not join the ceremonies. In the diaspora, memorial gatherings are held in communities and at embassies.
In the Czech lands
In the Czech Republic, Yom HaZikaron is marked mainly by gatherings of the Jewish communities and the Israeli embassy.
For children
On this day people in Israel remember soldiers and others who died in wars and attacks. A siren sounds and everyone stands quietly for a moment. The next evening the celebration of the state's birthday begins.
FAQ
Why is Memorial Day right before Independence Day?
To make clear that independence was paid for with lives. The transition from mourning to celebration is intentional.
What happens during the siren?
People stop, drivers get out of their cars and everyone stands silently until the siren fades.
Whom does the day commemorate?
Fallen members of the Israeli security forces and of the pre-state armed organizations, and civilian victims of terror.⁂ To verify