Yom Ha-Zikaron - Israeli Memorial Day

Israel Defense Forces: Table of Contents | Casualties in Battle | Prayer for Soldiers

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Customary to light a memorial candle to honor the fallen soldiers

Established unofficially with the founding of the State of Israel in 1948, and enacted into law in 1963, the day preceding Yom Ha-Atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) is observed as a Memorial Day for soldiers who lost their lives in battle and while otherwise defending Israel.

Celebrated on the fourth of Iyar every year, Yom Hazikaron is one of four new holidays that were added to the Jewish national calendar since the creation of Israel. The other three are: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Heroes and Martyrs' Day),Yom Ha-Aatzmaut (Independence Day), and Yom Yerushalayim (Jerusalem Day).

Perhaps because much of the Israeli population has relatives or close friends who have died defending Israel, Yom Ha-Zikaron is widely observed throughout all sectors of Israel, with the exception of most Arabs (Druze and Beduoin, many of whom have served in the Israeli military, being a notable exception) and non-Zionist haredi Jews. Throughout the entire day (beginning at sunset the night before) places of entertainment are closed by law and shops, restaurants, movie theaters are shut down by tradition. The radio and television stations play programs about Israel's wars and show programming that convey the somber mood of the day.

Perhaps the most widely recognized commemoration, as on Yom HaShoah, an air raid siren is played twice during Yom Ha-Zikaron. During the two-minute siren blasts, all activity - including traffic on the highways - immediately ceases. People stand in respect for the sacrifice of those who died defending Israel. The first siren marks the beginning of Yom Ha-Zikaron and the second is sounded immediately prior to the public recitation of prayers in military cemeteries.

Numerous public ceremonies are held throughout Israel with special readings and poems often recited. There is a national ceremony at the military cemetery on Mt. Herzl, where many of Israel's leaders and soldiers are buried. Many schools and public buildings have memorial corners with memorials to those from their community who died in Israel's wars.

While mostly viewed in a secular national character, there is also a religious component to Yom Ha-Zikaron. There is a special yizkor (rememberance prayer) and "El Maleh Rachamim" memorial prayer for members of the Israeli Defense Forces who died in the line of duty, which is read at many of the Yom Ha-Zikaron ceremonies. Some members of the religious Zionist (national religious) community has also added special prayers to the prayer service for the evening prayers on Yom Ha-Zikaron. The mourners kaddish is often said. The development of Yom Ha-Zikaron as a religious holiday is still developing.

Since the second intifada, many have extended Yom Ha-Zikaron to remember not only soldiers who died defending Israel but also security guards through their daily guarding of public buildings, restaurants, and cafes they have given their life to save the lives of those inside due to terrorist attacks.

In tune with the Jewish tradition of recognizing joy in times of sadness and sadness in times of joy, Yom Ha-Zikaron's somber end heralds the beginning of the joyous and festive Yom Ha-Atzmaut, Independence Day.