On the evening of April 20th, Israel's annual National Remembrance Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism, Yom HaZikaron, begins. It commemorates those who lost their lives defending Israel or in terrorist attacks. The day of remembrance is observed every year on the eve of Israel's Independence Day celebrations.
By Dina Ehrhardt
Twice across the country, sirens wail: for one minute on the eve of Yom HaZikaron and for two minutes at 11:00 AM on the day of remembrance itself. The country comes to a standstill. Whether shopping, at work, driving, or on the bus, most people stand up and pause for the duration of the sirens. Today, the fallen soldiers, war veterans, and civilians killed by Palestinian terrorism are commemorated. Throughout the day, rather somber music plays on the radio, and television broadcasts documentaries and memorial videos about fallen soldiers.
Military service for young Israelis
Military service is compulsory in Israel. This means that every Israeli is drafted into the military at the age of 18. Women serve for 24 to 28 months, and men for 32 to 36 months. They receive their first information letter about it at the age of 16.
The country relies on the military service of young adults to protect its citizens from attacks by neighboring countries. Exemption is only possible for compelling reasons, such as religious beliefs or health or mental health limitations. However, in most cases, at least one year of community service is then required.
Every soldier who joins a combat unit of the IDF (Israel Defense Forces) does so voluntarily and swears to put their life above that of their people. All other soldiers are assigned to support units. Here, they bear responsibility but do not have to expose their lives to direct danger. All soldiers who have served in a combat unit are obligated to return to their unit for 30 days of reserve duty each year until they have children or reach the age of 45. There are also many career soldiers in Israel.
Emotional highlight of the commemoration
Throughout the eve and the day of Remembrance, numerous ceremonies take place at schools and military cemeteries. The largest ceremony of the day is held at the military cemetery on Jerusalem's Mount Herzl. Called the Tekkes Ma'awar (Transition Ceremony), it marks the transition from Remembrance Day to Independence Day: arguably one of the most emotional moments in the Israeli calendar. Twelve Israeli citizens, chosen for their significant contributions to Israeli society in the previous year, are selected to light twelve torches. These torches symbolically represent the twelve tribes of Israel.
Yom HaZikaron is seamlessly followed by Yom HaAtzma'ut, Israel's Independence Day – remembrance is followed by exuberant celebration, as grief and hope are closely intertwined.
