United with Israel

Israel Bows its Head in Mourning on Memorial Day

Yom Hazikaron

Israeli soldiers stand at attention and bow their heads as siren heard during a Memorial Day ceremony at the Western Wall, Judaism's holiest site, in Jerusalem's Old City. (Yonatan Sindel/Flash90)

Israel marks “Yom Hazikaron,” Memorial Day, commemorating its fallen IDF soldiers and victims of terror.

Sirens sounded Tuesday night across Israel, bringing the country to a standstill. Israelis stopped in their tracks at 8 p.m. and stood silently for a minute to honor and remember the dead. The main memorial ceremony took place at Jerusalem’s Western Wall.

Israel mourns the 23,320 security personnel who have been killed since 1860, when Jews began moving back to their homeland en masse. Of those, 116 died in the past year, including 67 soldiers killed during Operation Protective Edge in Gaza.

Terrorists have claimed the lives of 2,538 Israelis since the establishment of the state. This figure includes 122 foreign citizens killed in terror attacks, but does not include Jews killed by terrorists outside of Israel. In the past year, 31 Israelis have been murdered in acts of terrorism.

Memorial Day is one of the most somber dates on the Israeli calendar. Places of entertainment shut down; radio and TV stations air documentaries about those who died.

The sad atmosphere ends sharply and abruptly at sundown Wednesday when “Yom Ha’Atzmaut,” Israel’s Independence Day, celebrations begin.

<
>
Jewish Agency chairman Natan Sharansky (L) widow of Phillip Barham who was killed in Paris, Valery, and parents of Dan Ozen, killed in Koppenhagen, Serjo and Budil Ozen, light a memorial fire during ceremony commemorating victims of antisemitic attacks in the world, and the recent attacks on Jews in Paris. (Hadas Parush/Flash90)

 

Watch Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s message to the bereaved families on the occasion of Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars:

 

Free Ebook: Israel Defense Forces 24/7

The IDF’s brave soldiers protect Israel's citizens against any threat, in the north or the south, land, sea or air. Get an inside look at these magnificent defenders of the State of Israel in this exclusive IDF ebook from United with Israel.

CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD: ISRAEL DEFENSE FORCES 24/7.

 

Do You Love Israel? Make a Donation - Show Your Support!

Donate to vital charities that help protect Israeli citizens and inspire millions around the world to support Israel too!

Now more than ever, Israel needs your help to fight and win the war -- including on the battlefield of public opinion.

Antisemitism, anti-Israel bias and boycotts are out of control. Israel's enemies are inciting terror and violence against innocent Israelis and Jews around the world. Help us fight back!

STAND WTH ISRAEL - MAKE A DONATION TODAY!

Exit mobile version