Yom HaZikaron: National Day to Remember

Many small towns around Israel hold a community tekes, ceremony,

making it is easy to decide where to go on Yom Hazikaron,

the Remembrance Day for Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror.

One of the most impressive ceremonies I attended was in Arad,

in 2001, during the intifada.

Unlike the US Memorial Day weekend,

Dark street Israel

this day is not one of great shopping and happy start to the summer.

Israeli flag photo

Israeli flags, large and small, start to appear soon after Passover.

In Jerusalem, Israel, there are dozens,

perhaps hundreds of memorial events held on Yom HaZikaron.

Last year  I went to the main military tekes at the Kotel, Western Wall

Kosel remembrance flame, Wailing wall photo

where the huge flame was lit and watched over by a military honor guard.

Every year thousands attend and watch on TV.

Peres car at night

Here was President Peres’s motorcade on Jaffa Street

on his way to speak at this year’s tekes.

Yad Le Banim covered for security

Prime Minister Netanyahu spoke at a service at Yad LeBanim, 

so the site was covered over for security for days in advance. 

Israeli building with flags pciture

The Jewish Agency Building stage was ready for a morning program.

Flame for Yom hazikaron

Large memorial flames could be found in and on buildings,

Israel flag photo

as were signs publizing some community events.

Memorial for yom hazikaron

This Israeli flag, memorial candle and talit were the simple,

but meaningful display in the lobby of Heichel Shlomo.

So many choices;

but I wanted to see what was happening in Gan Sacher.

Night Yom Hazikaron Gan Sacher

Nothing.  

Other than an occasional jogger, the park was deserted.

While down the road, as usual,

Yom Hazikaron ceremony

hundreds attended the well planned program prepared by the Scouts.

Speakers slowly read the names of local fallen and the dates they fell.

25,578 people have been killed here since 1860.

92 lives were lost last year.

Everyone knows someone to mourn.

Israel at 65 sign

Yizkor, remember,

so many wars, so many more terror attacks,

but as soon as the sun sets,

it will be time to celebrate Yom Haatzmaut,

Israel at 65.

Am Yisrael Chai

6 thoughts on “Yom HaZikaron: National Day to Remember

  • April 15, 2013 at 1:40 pm
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    Thanks for your as always splendid coverage of all the things I miss by not living in the city.
    Have a good Independence Day, soon.

    Reply
    • April 15, 2013 at 1:47 pm
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      Thanks sometimes, usually it is hard wanting to be in so many places at once! Tomorrow there endless things to do, but I plan to be in Gan Sacher all day.

      Reply
  • April 15, 2013 at 2:46 pm
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    We were waiting to see pictures from wherever you chose to be on Yom HaZikaron, a day like no other anywhere. Thank you.

    Reply
  • April 15, 2013 at 4:54 pm
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    I was at the Kotel last year, and at OneFamily this year. Both so moving and special.

    Reply
    • April 15, 2013 at 6:17 pm
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      Certainly! So many meaningful places it is hard to pick which one to attend. And for Yom Haatzmaut even more!

      Reply
  • Pingback: New for Yom Ha’atzmaut and Yom HaZikaron | The Real Jerusalem Streets

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