Remembering Israel’s fallen soldiers
Today at Brodetsky we held an assembly for Yom Ha’Zikaron in memory of those who have fallen in order to keep Israeli citizen safe and free.
The assembly, held for Years 4-6, was proceeded by the lowering of the Israeli and British flag and singing of Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem.
At 11am the bell rang in school to signify the minutes silence. Children were asked to think about Israel, peace around the world and how they can make the world a better place.
What is Yom Ha’Zikaron
Israel Remembrance Day, called Yom Ha’Zikaron 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 considering the fact that casualties are very close to home in this small and young country, this day is extremely solemn. One will find places of entertainment closed, flags at half-mast and many ceremonies that take place in community centers and by memorials around Jerusalem and Israel.
In a way very 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 the joy. We acknowledge the direct connection between our loss and the independence and sovereignty that we appreciate so much today.
Yom Ha’Zikaron is marked on the fourth day of the Hebrew month of Iyar. This year it is commemorated from the evening of Tuesday, April 17, 2018 until the evening of Wednesday, April 18 (when Independence Day begins).
All local media channels are focused on this day of grief and two sirens sound during the 24 hour period when people respectfully come to a standstill. The first at 8pm on the eve for a minute and the second at 11am for 2 minutes. I can’t explain the feeling when a whole country comes to a stand still. You’re driving down the motorway, suddenly, the 11am siren goes off. All cars standstill. As you step outside your car and bow your head in remembrance it seems as though even the birds stop chirping. Silence.
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