Israel on Sunday started observing Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism. After a one-minute siren nationwide at 8 p.m., a state ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, led by President Isaac Herzog and IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi was broadcast live on all major outlets.
Meanwhile, in various cities across Israel, Israelis attended various somber events that include musical performances by singers who will sing songs traditionally associated with national mourning, as well as speeches by various dignitaries.
Since the previous Memorial Day, 760 more fallen soldiers have been added to the tally, including 711 who fell during Oct. 7 and Operation Iron Swords.
The great number of casualties and deaths means that 4,236 Israelis have become bereaved this year, including 1,294 parents who lost their sons and daughters and 520 people who lost one or two of their parents. IDF Chief of Staff Halevi said ahead of Memorial Day the following.
Israel's Memorial Day is one of the most solemn days on the Israeli calendar. It is a day to honor and remember all of the soldiers and civilians who have lost their lives in defense of the State of Israel or due to acts of terrorism.
The day precedes Israel's Independence Day, commemorating the tremendous sacrifice and loss that allowed for the establishment and preservation of the Jewish state. It was first observed in 1951, three years after Israel's founding in 1948.
On Memorial Day, air raid sirens sound throughout Israel for one minute in the evening (8 p.m.) and again the following morning at 11 a.m., for two minutes. During this time, Israelis stop whatever they are doing to stand in silence and reflect. Places of entertainment are closed and TV/radio broadcasts are dedicated to memorial services and stories about the fallen.
There are official public memorial ceremonies at military cemeteries and the Western Wall in Jerusalem. Many Israelis visit the graves of loved ones who perished. The day is especially emotional for families who have lost relatives in defense of the country.
Despite being a relatively young and small nation, Israel has endured several wars and ongoing conflicts with hostile neighbors. Over 23,000 soldiers and over 3,000 civilians have been killed since 1860 when Jews began moving to the region. This tremendous loss for such a tiny population has made Memorial Day a profoundly important part of Israeli culture and identity.
The solemn day is followed immediately by joyous Independence Day celebrations, transitioning from remembrance and mourning to gratitude and elation for Israel's existence as a free and secure homeland for the Jewish people.
