About Israel's Memorial Day
Israel Remembrance Day, called Yom Hazikaron in Hebrew, is Israel’s official day of remembrance for fallen soldiers of Israel and victims of terrorism. It falls exactly one week after Holocaust Remembrance Day, and because casualties are very close to home in this small and young country, this day is exceptionally solemn. You will find places of entertainment closed, flags at half-mast, and many ceremonies in community centers and memorials around Jerusalem and Israel.
In a way unique to Israel, Remembrance Day flows straight into Yom Ha'atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. As is often customary in Judaism, we remember the heartbreak with joy. We acknowledge the direct connection between our loss and the independence and sovereignty we greatly appreciate today.
Yom Hazikaron is marked on the fourth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. This year, it is commemorated from the evening of Sunday, May 12, 2024, until the evening of Monday, May 13 (when Independence Day begins).
All local media channels are focused on this day of grief, and two sirens sound during the 24 hours when people respectfully come to a standstill.
Here are some of the things happening around Jerusalem on Yom Hazikaron:
The sirens
There are two sirens on Yom Hazikaron. A one-minute siren sounds at 8:00 pm on Sunday evening, and a two-minute siren sounds at 11:00 am on Monday. Similar to the siren on Holocaust Memorial Day, people generally stop whatever they are doing – even those driving on the highway – and stand at attention throughout the duration of the siren. It is highly recommended to stand outside for the sirens in order to experience the impact of almost an entire nation coming to a standstill in honor of those who died in order to gain and preserve our freedom.
Memorial Day Eve Events, Sunday, May 12
Singing in the Hall of Culture (Heichal Hararbut)
An evening of singing memorial songs, in the presence of Mayor Moshe Leon, with the participation of the artists: Rita, Tamir Greenberg and Yoantan Dror.
The evening will include The representative of the bereaved families and the families of the abducted. Ms. Iris Haim, the mother of Yotam, who was kidnapped from Kibbutz Kfar Gaza on October 7 and was killed while trying to escape from Hamas captivity.
Entry is free upon presentation of a reservation only. Limited to two tickets per person. By registering in advance on the Culture Hall website.
Sunday 9:30-11:00 PM, at Hataasiya 4 street.
Memorial Day events, Monday, May 13
Memorial Day ceremony in Safra Square
The ceremony in Safra Square will be held this year in the presence of the Mayor, Moshe Leon, guests, and municipal employees.
- Speech by the Mayor Moshe Leon
- Speech by the Municipal Chairman, Itzik Larry
- Songs
- Kaddish
- Psalm
- Yizkor
Sign up to attend the event – at the Jerusalem Municipality. Monday, 9:00 AM (Gatherings start at 8:00 AM).
Arrangements for registration, traffic, and parking on Memorial Day
For information about registration, parking, and traffic arrangements during the Memorial Day eve and the day itself – call 106 hotline.