The State of Israel began commemorating the Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism (Yom HaZikaron) on Monday evening, amid health restrictions aimed at curb the spread of coronavirus. As part of these precautions, the Israeli government announced last week that a nationwide lockdown would be imposed, thus limiting traditional visits to military cemeteries and other large commemoration ceremonies.
At 8 PM, Israelis observed a one-minute moment of silence, as a siren rang out across the country in honor of Israel's fallen. The siren was followed by a small ceremony at the Western Wall, attended by President Reuven Rivlin and Chief of General Staff Aviv Kochavi. At 9 P.M., following the completion of the ceremony, the names of the fallen were screened on the wall of the Knesset.
Israelis will observe a two-minute siren on Tuesday morning at 11 A.M., followed by the official state memorial ceremony, to be held at Mount Herzl. The ceremony will not be open to the public, although it will be broadcast on television. Immediately after the siren, jets will fly across the country in honor of the fallen.
The names of the fallen will be read at Mount Herzl from 7:30 A.M. to 10 A.M, Tuesday morning. According to the Defense Ministry, 3,151 Israelis have fallen in terror attacks in Israel since 1948, with 65 names added this past year.
The lockdown will extend to Israel’s Day of Independence (Yom Ha’atzmaut) which begins Tuesday evening at nightfall and concludes Wednesday night.
More than 500 female soldiers have been killed in combat operations in Israel over the past 50 years. On Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Memorial Day, we honor the brave soldiers who fell serving and protecting the country.
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) April 27, 2020
May their memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/PNAEB4nTaC
Yom HaZikaron, remembrance day, begins this evening in Israel in honor of the country's fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism.
— WJC (@WorldJewishCong) April 27, 2020
The Jewish world joins them in commemoration. pic.twitter.com/gl9dIwVlzw
