Yom Hazikaron in Jerusalem

 Wednesday was Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Remembrance Day

for those killed in war and by terror attacks.

 It was observed in many ways. Some do not observe it at all.

I was at two major traffic locations when the memorial sirens sounded.

At night on Derech Hevron, Hebron Road, near the walls of the Old City,

 cars kept moving and a large truck tried to pass against traffic.

On the Begin Highway some drivers got out of their cars before the 

11:00am siren and stood silently, but as the siren began I was very surprised

to see many cars zooming around the stopped vehicles.

I decided not to show those disappointing video scenes,

but rather to share a few more positive photos.

The official government ceremony was held at the Kotel,

the Western Wall, on Tuesday night,

"picture Wailing Wall", "image Israeli soldiers", "photo memorial flame"

where an honor guard stood by the memorial flame.

"picture Old city street", "image Old City street", "photo night in Old City"

The food court of the Rova, the Jewish Quarter of the Old City was closed.

"picture Old City","photo Jerusalem Old City", image Old City night

Many parts of the Old City were dark and quiet.

"picture concert", "photo Sultan Pool", "image Jerusalem"

At The Sultan’s Pool,  a huge stage was built and thousands gathered

for a musical presentation sponsored by the Jerusalem Municipality.

There were hundreds of young people,

but you could hear a pin drop during the siren and no one moved.

All over Jerusalem the next day,

"photo Jerusalem", Picture Jerusalem", image memorial wreath"

 fresh flowers could be found at memorial locations,

"picture Jerusalem","photo memorial wreath", "image Jerusalem"

marking the memory of dear ones lost.

"picture Jerusalem traffic", "photo traffic", "image cars Jerusalem"

The Begin Highway looked like a parking lot,

as many people drove to the Har Herzl Military cemetery 

to attend the official ceremony and to visit graves.

"picture traffic Jerusalem", "photo Jerusalem traffic', "image Jerusalem"

This speed sign showed that no one was driving too fast.

"picture flag half mast", "photo Israel flag", "image flame"

Red memorial flames were displayed, while Israeli flags flew at half-mast.

"picture Israeli flags", "image flags", "photo Israeli flags"

This year there seemed to be many more 

"photo Israeli flags", "image flag", "picture Israel flag"

flags than usual.

"picture Israeli flag", "image flags", "photo flags"

I found a flag flying on top of this phone booth…

yes, there are still are a few phone booths.

"picture flags", "Image Israeli flags","photo children flags"

Israeli flags were displayed with pride this year.

"picture Yom Hazikron", ""image children", "photo ceremony"

 I watched the young children at one memorial event 

 and thought of all the lives lost. 

"picture Israel soldiers", "photo Israel flag", "image Old City Walls"

Are there really any Israelis who do not want peace

in the future for their children?

 Shabbat shalom.

3 thoughts on “Yom Hazikaron in Jerusalem

  • April 27, 2012 at 5:30 pm
    Permalink

    Yes, Shabbat Shalom!

    Reply
  • May 6, 2012 at 9:56 am
    Permalink

    It would be pretty boring if we all wanted or believed in the same thing, but wouldn’t one think that peace, tolerance, forgiveness, protecting the planet and life would be the one “boring” thing we would all want to do together as humans. Differences in customs, speech, dress and religion are fascinating but instead of trying to understand and be interested by the differences, man’s instinct is to fear and hate the differences. Where is our humanity and compassion? Did humans ever have compassion and love for their fellow travellers on this earth? We all do want peace!!!! Don’t we????

    Reply
  • Pingback: Yom HaZikaron: National Day to Remember | The Real Jerusalem Streets

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