About Israel's Memorial Day
Israel Remembrance Day, called Yom Hazikaron in Hebrew, is Israel’s official day of remembrance for fallen soldiers of Israel and victims of terrorism. It falls exactly one week after Holocaust Remembrance Day and considering the fact that casualties are very close to home in this small and young country, this day is extremely solemn. You will find places of entertainment closed, flags at half-mast and there are many ceremonies that take place in community centers and by memorials around Jerusalem and Israel.
In a way unique to Israel, Remembrance Day flows straight into Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. As is often customary in Judaism, we remember the heartbreak with joy. We acknowledge the direct connection between our loss and the independence and sovereignty that we appreciate so much today.
Yom Hazikaron is marked on the fourth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. This year it is commemorated from the evening of Tuesday, May 7, 2019 until the evening of Wednesday, May 8 (when Independence Day begins).
All local media channels are focused on this day of grief, and two sirens sound during the 24-hour period when people respectfully come to a standstill.
Here are some of the things happening around Jerusalem on Yom Hazikaron:
The sirens
There are two sirens on Yom Hazikaron. A one-minute siren sounds at 8:00 pm on Wednesday evening, and a two-minute siren sounds at 11:00 am on Thursday. Similar to the siren on Holocaust Memorial Day, people generally stop whatever they are doing – even those driving on the highway – and stand at attention throughout the duration of the siren. It is highly recommended to stand outside for the sirens in order to experience the impact of almost an entire nation coming to a standstill in honor of those who died in order to gain and preserve our freedom.
Memorial Day Eve Events
Many memorial events are hosted on Memorial Day Eve and the day itself, which was established as a national way to honor the beloved memory of the Israeli Military casualties and the victims of hostilities. The day is concluded by the state ceremony on Mount Herzl, which also opens the festivities of Independence Day.This year, the events will be held in accordance with the guidelines of the Ministry of Health.
The schedule and event may be subjected to changes based on the MOH guidelines.
Memorial Day eve Events, Tuesday, May 3rd
A memorial assembly for the victims of the Israeli military operations at the Yad Lebanim (“A Memorial for the Sons” building)
The state ceremony will be held at Yad Lebanim in cooperation with the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization and will be broadcast live on Kan 11 channel.Participants: Bereaved families, the Prime Minister, the Speaker of the Knesset, the Mayor of Jerusalem, Knesset members, the President of the Supreme Court, the Chief Rabbis of Israel, and the IDF, representatives of the security forces, the heads of the defense systems.
Entrance only upon prior registration on the phone +972 2 6248338
Tuesday, 4:30-6:00 PM
The Memorial Day Ceremony honoring the victims of the Israeli militarily operations and the victims of hostilities – at the German Colony
With the participation of the bereaved families of soldiers of the Nahal Brigade and the community.27 Hatzfira Street, Jerusalem
Tuesday – 7:30-9:00 PM
Official communal memorial ceremonies
Like every year, you may honor the memory of the fallen by joining the singing and playing, lighting the candles, lowering the flag, laying wreaths, and declaring the names of the victims.This year the communal administrations will hold ceremonies in the following areas: Beit Hakerem, Baka, Gonenim, Gilo, Ginot Ha'ir, Ganim, the French Hill, the Jewish Quarter, Homat Shmuel, Yuvalim, Lev-Ha'ir, Morasha, Meitarim, Neve Ya'akov, Pisgat Ze'ev, Katamon H-T , Romema, Ramot Alon, Ramat Shlomo, Shmuel Hanavi and Talpiot East.
The entrance is free and available for everyone.
Tuesday, 7:45 PM.
Singing in the center of Safra Square
An evening of singing memorial songs, in the presence of Mayor Moshe Leon, with the participation of the artists: Sharim Bagina, Rami Kleinstein, Jasmine Mualem, Jane Bordeaux, and Zehava Ben.The musical ensemble: Sharom Bar Yaakov, Tamar Amar, Gali Ohayon and Liron Meyuhas.
Additionally, an animated films screening will take place, in collaboration with the Beit Avi Chai.
Tickets will be provided at the entrance to the event, from 6:30 PM and on.
Tuesday 6:30-8:00 PM
Memorial Day events, Wednesday, May 4th
Memorial Day ceremonies at the monuments
The ceremonies will be held in cooperation with the Jerusalem Brigade and in the presence of members of the City Council:- Yamin Moshe
- Abu-Tur
- Government House
- Peace Forest
- Ramat Rachel
Memorial Day ceremony in Safra Square
The ceremony in Safra Square will be held this year in the presence of the Mayor, Moshe Leon, and with the participation of the Nahal Brigade, guests and municipal employees.Poetry: Rami Kleinstein and Notza Baru’ach
- Speech by the Mayor Moshe Leon
- Speech by the Municipal Chairman, Itzik Larry
- Songs
- Kaddish read by a bereaved father
- Psalm
- Yizkor
Sign up for attending the event – at the Jerusalem Municipality.
Wednesday, 9:15 PM