Definition:

Yom Hazikaron is Israel’s Remembrance Day, and takes place each year on 4th Iyar immediately before Yom Ha’atzmaut, Independence Day.

In Britain, while Remembrance Sunday and November 11th, do have a contemporary focus, because of soldiers killed in Iraq, in Afghanistan, the November commemorations seem to focus on those who died in World Wars 1 and 2. In Israel it is very different. War, military service, reserve duty is a reality, and still actively affects every family.

For 24 hours, (from sunset to sunset), all places of public entertainment are closed, and the day starts with a siren which begins a strictly observed 2 minute silence, and there is a second silence at 11 am, when public ceremonies begin. Local ceremonies will take place conducted by both veterans, and those who are in the army or about to go in, and who are aware of the dangers they face. Graves are visited, and particularly those at the military cemeteries, where there are also prayers. The majority of Israelis do not regard Yom Hazikaron as a religious commemoration, but as part of the life of the country, and it is strictly observed.

The tendency in the Diaspora is to have some solemn reflections and memorial prayers immediately before the start of the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebrations.

More Information:

Find the latest dates for upcoming-festivals in the Reform Movement Calendar.

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