Israeli Memorial Day honors the fallen
On April 19th the Friends of Israel Scouts (צופים) commemorated Yom Hazikaron at the Kaplen Jewish Community Center on the Palisades. Along with a moment of silence, the Tzofim contributed to the day with a dark room full of pictures and stories of fallen soldiers as well as a project on the families and children of the deceased. The Kaplen JCC will be continuing the remembrance on Yom Hazikaron (04/21) with a special Tekes (טקס), ceremony, for the families in the Palisades area.
by Adva Fuchs, co- Editor in Chief
Since the establishment of this Jewish state in 1948, Israel has been previ to numerous wars and battles gaining traction as a serious nation in the Middle East, but also losing in the loss of hundreds of soldiers.
Yom Hazikaron (יום הזכרון) or Israeli Memorial Day is a day of remembrance for all Israelis and Jews worldwide, as families of fallen soldiers ages 18 and up, come together to recall the lives and memories of these men.
On April 21st, Yom Hazikaron of 2015 will be especially hard on those whose family and friends fought in the summer battle for the Gaza Strip. These soldiers, not much older than most high school students, are remembered for all their contributions with the simple word Izkor (יזכור), or remember, graces many of the items given to commemorate this day.
“Thoughtful, I feel very thoughtful on days like this that reflect on the history of the Jewish people and any person that knows what this day is about should feel reflective and even a little saddened,” special education teacher Mr. Nisonoff said.
Being an important day of remembrance, Israel makes seriousness of this day well known as a siren (צפירה) is sounded throughout Israel indicating two minutes of complete silence. No matter the location of a civilian or official (whether driving, cleaning, working, etc), everyone will stop for this moment, or be prosecuted by his/her peers.
“It’s a day to stop everything and respect those who gave everything in order to protect [Israel]… a special day where a whole country unites for one goal, to respect and remember our soldiers who died during their service. When we are recruited, we are sworn to defend this country by all means…even giving our lives if [need be], ” Israeli Defence Force (IDF) Officer Itai Ben Amram said.
On a day of peace and mourning, Jews and Israelis commemorate their fallen soldiers with respect.Yom Haatzmaut (יום העצמאות) or Israeli Independence Day begins on April 22/23, the day after Yom Hazikaron. The week of the 19th begins with commemoration and ends with celebration.