Beginning at sundown on April 20 and ending at sundown on April 21 in 2026 is Israel Memorial Day – Yom HaZikaron. But what is Yom HaZikaron? While the day of observance that falls a week prior, Yom HaShoah, calls on Israelis to remember the six million Jewish people murdered in the Holocaust, Yom HaZikaron calls on them to remember those who lost their lives in service and defense of the Jewish state. Yom HaZikaron also precedes Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. This was by design.
The History of Yom HaZikaron
Israel became a nation on the fifth day of Iyaron the Jewish calendar, and memorial services were held for IDF soldiers on that day of Yom HaAtzmaut. Families of the fallen expressed their interest in an Israeli Memorial Day separate from the festivities of Independence Day. And in 1963, the Knesset, Israel’s parliament, declared the holiday of Yom HaZikaron would take place the day before Yom HaAtzmaut in a symbolic gesture that recognizes that Israel would not have its freedom without the brave souls who gave their lives for it. Because of this, Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut, though very different holidays, are a time of national reflection, remembrance, pride, and prayer.
How is Yom HaZikaron Different from Memorial Day in the U.S?
- While Memorial Day commemorates those who served in the armed forces, Yom HaZikaron commemorates not just members of the IDF, but police, border guards, first responders, as well as those who were killed in terror attacks.
- Yom HaZikaron is observed with nationwide sirens. Everyone stops what they are doing and observes a two-minute long moment of silence.
- Americans have Memorial Day off work while Israelis go to work on Yom HaZikaron. Some businesses reduce their hours and all places of entertainment close for the 24 hours.
- As all days on the Jewish calendar do, Yom HaZikaron starts at sundown and ends at sundown the next day, instead of beginning at midnight.
How is Yom HaZikaron Observed?
The Jewish month of Iyar begins in April to May on the Gregorian calendar. When the sun sets on the fourth day, Yom HaZikaron begins and all places like movie theaters, bars, clubs, and sports centers close. Throughout Yom HaZikaron, two sirens sound ─one at 8 p.m. and the next one at 11 a.m. During each of these times, everyone in Israel stops for two minutes of silence. Meanwhile, for the entire day radio and TV stations are broadcasting programs and playing songs about those who have fallen while protecting the Holy Land. This is a national rather than a religious holiday but is deeply ingrained in Israel’s civic culture. Observance of days like Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut are considered a responsibility.
More Yom HaZikaron Observations in Israel
- Military ceremonies are held with readings of prayers (Kiddish) and poems.
- People wear white shirts and dark blue pants or skirts.
- Memorial corners at high schools dedicated to fallen graduates’ memory.
- In wake of October 7, Yom HaZikaron has been a time to honor the victims of this horrific terror attack.
What is Yom HaZikaron’s Meaning?
Despite have no religious connotation, the Israeli Memorial Day of Yom HaZikaron is sacred in its messaging and purpose – that freedom comes at a price. Where military service is mandatory and nearly every family includes someone involved in keeping Israel safe, these sacrifices are synonymous with the Holy Land’s independence.
