Yom Hazikaron, Remembrance Day, which will begin on Sunday evening, May 8, is a day of collective and personal anguish mingled with awe and honor for the fallen. The official events begin at 8:00 PM with a moment of national silence heralded by a one minute siren.
A total of 22,867 men and women have been killed defending the land of Israel since 1860, the year that the first Jewish settlers left the secure walls of Jerusalem to build new Jewish neighborhoods.
Since the end of the War of Independence, 2,443 people have been killed in Israel in terror attacks – 13 in the past year.
In the past year, since Remembrance Day 2010, 183 members of the security forces – police, IDF, Border Police, Israel Security Agency and other organizations – have been killed in the service of the state.
The following morning, ceremonies commence at 11:00 AM at 44 IDF military cemeteries located throughout the country following a two minute blast of the siren. There will also be a ceremony for overseas Mahal volunteers who fought and died during the War of Independence, which will take place near the Sha’ar Hagai Junction. Israel’s flag, adorned with a black ribbon and memorial flame, is placed on each and every grave of those who fell in Israel’s battles and are buried in military cemeteries throughout Israel. It expresses the country’s respect for the fallen as well as the entire country’s participation in the grief of the families.
“The ambassadors of peace shall weep bitterly…”
– In memory of those who have fallen while on duty in the Israeli Foreign Service
Israel’s Memorial Day – Yizkor Prayer
| May God remember the souls of His heroic children: The fighters of the Israel Defense Forces, who fell in the wars of Israel, in defensive, retaliative, and security actions and during the fulfillment of their duty, including the souls of the underground fighters and brigades who fought in the national struggle – all those who sacrificed their lives for the sanctification of God’s Name.And with the help of God, the Lord of Israel’s campaigns, they brought about the revival of the nation and the state and the redemption of the land and the city of God.
They were quicker than eagles and stronger than lions as they volunteered to assist the nation, and they saturated our holy land with their pure blood. The memory of their self-sacrifice and heroic deeds will never disappear from us. May their souls be bound in the Bond of Life with the souls of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and with the souls of the other heroes and martyrs of Israel who are in the Garden of Eden. Amen. |
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 David Ben-Gurion
declares the establishment of the State of Israel |
Israel’s 63rd Independence Day celebrations will commence on Monday evening, May 9, when the state flag is raised to full mast at a national ceremony on Mount Herzl, at which twelve torches are lit. Theodor Herzl was the leader and founder of the Zionist movement and increased international recognition for the need of a Jewish state.
On May 14, 1948, the day the British Mandate expired, the new Jewish state – the State of Israel – was formally established in parts of what was known as the British Mandate for Palestine. With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Jewish independence, lost two thousand years earlier, was restored. Independence Day is filled with festivities and celebrations including picnics, barbecues, family gatherings and nature trips. Balconies, car windows, store fronts and more are liberally decorated with Israeli flags.
Independence Day is a celebration of the renewal of the Jewish state in the Land of Israel, the birthplace of the Jewish people. In this land, the Jewish people began to develop its distinctive religion and culture some 4,000 years ago, and here it has preserved an unbroken physical presence, for centuries as a sovereign state, at other times under foreign domination. Throughout their long history, the yearning to return to the land has been the focus of Jewish life.
Since its establishment, Israel continues to be a homeland to the thousands who make their way to Israel annually. It is home to some of the holiest religious sites of the three major religions, all which enjoy the democratic rights delineated in the Declaration of the Establishment of the State of Israel.
Celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut live with President Peres, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Barak, IDF Chief of General Staff Gantz, and 120 outstanding soldiers
President Shimon Peres will host Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Ehud Barak, and IDF Chief of General Staff Lt. Gen Benny Gantz for the annual Independence Day Celebration at Beit HaNassi. This year, for the first time, there will be live internet coverage to facilitate viewing by Jewish communities and individuals from around the world.
Viewers can tune into watch the ceremonies from any computer or Smartphone. The live feed will be accessible on Tuesday, 10 May 2011 at 09:30-11:00 Israel Time (+3 GMT).
The event begins with an impressive IDF Air Force fly-over including planes and helicopters. The President and Chief of General Staff will then review the 120 Outstanding Soldiers who are being recognized for their exemplary service. Both will then deliver special remarks for Yom Ha’atzmaut. Past and present military leadership of the IDF will also attend.
The main musical event, “Celebrating Independence with the President”, will be hosted by Avi Kushnir. The President, Prime Minister, Defense Minister and Chief of General Staff will each sing their favorite Israeli song accompanied by Israeli music artists Miri Mesika, Harel Skaat, and Kobi Aflalo.
