Israel's Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron)

Culture of origin: National · Historical

Holiday sources: Israel

Yom HaZikaron, on 4 Iyar, remembers the soldiers who fell in Israel's wars, 24,213 as of 2022, and civilian victims of terrorism. The date recalls the Kfar Etzion massacre of 13 May 1948, in which 127 defenders were killed the day before independence was declared. A one-minute siren at 8 p.m. opens the day and a two-minute siren at 11 a.m. opens the ceremonies at military cemeteries; at sundown the day passes into Independence Day.