HaZikaron

HaZikaron, literally “the remembrance” in Hebrew, commonly refers to Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day. It is a national day of remembrance for Israeli soldiers who died in defense of the country and for victims of terrorism, observed annually and immediately preceding Yom HaAtzmaut, Independence Day.

The day was established in the early years of the state, with official commemorations beginning in 1951. Its date follows the Hebrew calendar and shifts each year, but it always precedes the public celebration of Independence Day. The observance is nationwide and crosses cultural and religious lines.

Traditions and ceremonies are central to HaZikaron. The country observes a two-minute siren on the eve of Yom HaZikaron at around 20:00, during which people pause in silence. A second siren sounds the following morning at about 11:00, again marking a moment of collective reflection. Memorial ceremonies take place at military cemeteries and national sites, notably Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, while cemeteries throughout the country welcome families who visit graves, light candles, and lay flowers. Schools and communities hold remembrance programs to honor those who died.

Significance and reception: HaZikaron serves as a focal point for national mourning and memory, reinforcing public recognition of sacrifices made for the state and fostering a sense of shared identity. The day culminates in the transition to Yom HaAtzmaut, shifting from mourning to celebration of independence.

See also: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day).

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