And We Remember.....

בס''ד

The headline from Arutz 7 screamed 
23,741 have fallen in Israel's wars

56 soldiers added to list of fallen soldiers in past year.

Next Tuesday evening May 7th and Wednesday, May 8th, Israel remembers our fallen soldiers who served with pride and honour.

Remembrance Day in Israel is called Yom HaZikaron. This is an official day enacted into law in 1963.

At the same time we also remember all the victims of terrorism with ceremonies.

Yom HaZikaron is totally different from Remembrance Day in North America, and anywhere else in the world.

Beside the official ceremonies in military cemeteries, all places of entertainment are closed. TV channels have only programming dedicated to the fallen soldiers and their families. Songs about Israel and the IDF are played on the radio.

We have two sirens on Yom HaZikaron. A one minute siren at 8:00 pm on Tuesday evening and a two minute siren at 11:00 am on Wednesday.

When the siren wails, life stops and we remember. On the roads, all traffic comes to a standstill with drivers and passengers standing beside their vehicle. Quite a sight to see.

The day ends with a state ceremony at Mount Herzl military cemetery and starts Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel Independence Day. This year we will be celebrating 71 years.

There are many events that take place. Have a look.. Yom Ha'Atzmaut Events

Several years ago I wrote a poem in memory of our chayalim simply called Thank-you....

Thank-you dear chayalim and chayalot of the Israel Defense Forces.

Thank-you

for your service

in defending our nation.

Thank-you dear reservist

for answering the call

so that our country will not fall.

Many have sacrificed their life

So that we can live in our homeland.

Baruch Dayan HaEmet

May your memory be a blessing.

To those who are now serving

all over our precious land

our prayers are with you.

May the Hand of the One Above

watch over you

night and day

and bring you home safely

 into the arms of your family.

That's all for now
Feel free to comment and share.
Miriam