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
