Black Community News News and Commentary for Christians
Israel [commemorated] Yom HaZikaron (Day of Remembrance) for fallen soldiers and victims of terror Sunday evening into Monday. Immediately following Yom HaZikaron, Israel will celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.
Yom HaZikaron [began] Sunday evening when Israelis will remember the fallen through ceremonies and a minute of silence at 20:00 marked by sirens through out the nation. A second siren, two minutes long, will designate two minutes of silence Monday morning. During the periods designated, just as in Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) which was recognized last week, Israelis stop everything they are doing, including driving, to honor the fallen.
Over 44 IDF cemeteries will hold ceremonies for Israel’s fallen soldiers. It is traditional in Israel for an Israeli flag with a black ribbon to be placed on each grave of those who fell in service of the State of Israel. Over 1.5 million will attend ceremonies at military cemeteries.
Yom HaZikaron was implemented in 1963 and is a national day of remembrance for all who have fallen for the creation of the State of Israel. It is one of four Jewish holidays and remembrance days added to the Jewish calendar since the establishment of the State of Israel.
Israel will pay tribute to its 23, 169 casualties of war and terror since 1860. Israel’s Ministry of Defense has added 57 fallen since Yom HaZikaron 2013. Israel’s bereaved families stand at 17,038 with 2,141 orphans and 4,966.
Defense Minister Moshe Ya’alon sent a letter to bereaved families, part of the letter stating, “Israel will mark its 66th year of independence this week, but unfortunately, we have not reached the end of our travails and we have not reached tranquility. We will not be deterred. We’ll continue to seek peace, but we’ll cut off the hand of those who seek our demise.”
Immediately following Yom HaZikaron, Israel will celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut (Independence Day). Israel will celebrate 66 years of existence since its creation on May 14, 1948.
Israelis traditional have barbeques and nation-wide celebrations are held. Each year the Israeli Air Force conducts air shows and large concerts are held with performances by Israeli musicians. Parades are held in each city through out Israel, citizens wearing and holding Israeli flags and celebrating the Jewish State.
Amir Tsarfati is the founder and president of Behold Israel, a news site to correct the scarcity in trustworthy reportage on issues and events impacting Israel, and to resolve the uncertainty about who or what to believe.
