Yom HaZikaron — Israel Memorial Day

What Is Yom HaZikaron?

Officially Yom HaZikaron LeChalalei Ma'arachot Yisrael U'LeNifge'ei Pe'ulot HaEivah (יום הזיכרון לחללי מערכות ישראל ולנפגעי פעולות האיבה), it honors all soldiers of Tzahal (צה״ל — Israel Defense Forces) and pre-state Jewish defense forces (Haganah, Irgun, Lehi, Palmach) who fell from 1860 onward, as well as all victims of terror attacks.

When Is Yom HaZikaron?

Yom HaZikaron falls on 4 Iyar (ד׳ באייר), the day immediately before Yom HaAtzmaut. The date is shifted by the Chief Rabbinate when it would conflict with Shabbat to preserve the day's solemn character.

Where Is Yom HaZikaron Observed?

Throughout the State of Israel — at the Western Wall, Mount Herzl Military Cemetery, every IDF cemetery, schools, public squares, and homes. Two national sirens sound across the country: a one-minute siren at 8:00 PM as the day begins, and a two-minute siren at 11:00 AM the next morning. During the sirens, all activity stops. In the Diaspora, communities hold tekes (טקס — ceremonies) and Yizkor services.

Why Do We Observe Yom HaZikaron?

Yom HaZikaron expresses the Jewish value of zechirah (זכירה — remembrance). The day was deliberately placed immediately before Yom HaAtzmaut to ensure that the joy of independence is forever bound to the memory of its cost. As Israeli writer Aharon Megged wrote, 'There is no joy in our independence without the bitterness of memory.'

How Is Yom HaZikaron Observed?

Religious and national observance includes: (1) Two national sirens; (2) Recitation of Yizkor; (3) El Maleh Rachamim; (4) Tehillim (Psalms) 9, 144, and others; (5) Mourner's Kaddish by family members; (6) Reading of names at memorial ceremonies; (7) Lowering of flags to half-mast; (8) Closing of all entertainment venues from sundown; (9) Television and radio broadcasts dedicated to fallen soldiers and bereaved families.