YOM HAZIKARON AND YOM HA’ATZMAUT – ISRAEL’S MEMORIAL AND INDEPENDENCE DAYS ABOUT THE DAY Yom Ha’zikaron, the day preceding Israel’s Independence Day, this year on April 25th, was declared by the Israeli Knesset to be Memorial Day for those who lost their lives in the struggles that led to the establishment of the State of Israel and for all military personnel who were killed as members of Israel’s armed forces. Joining these two days together conveys a simple message: Israelis owe the independence and the very existence of the Jewish state to those who sacrificed their lives for it. Yom Ha’zikaron is different in character and mood from our American Memorial Day. In Israel, for 24 hours, all places of public entertainment are closed. The siren wails twice for two minutes throughout the country, first at 8:00 am to usher in the day, and again at 11:00 am before the public recitation of prayers in the military cemeteries. At the sound of the siren, all traffic and daily activities cease; the entire nation is still. Families are gathered in cemeteries and radio stations broadcast programs devoted to the lives of fallen soldiers. The list grows longer every year as Israel continues to labor for its very survival. Flags in Israel are flown at half mast, and the Yizkor (remembrance) prayer for Israel’s fallen soldiers is recited. May God remember His sons and daughters who exposed themselves to mortal danger in those days of struggle prior to the establishment of the State of Israel and (may He remember) the soldiers of the Israeli Defense Forces who fell in the wars of Israel. May the people of Israel keep them in their memory - and be blessed with their seed; let them mourn the splendor of youth, the charm of valor, the holiness of will, and the devotion of sacrifice which came to an end in the heavy battles. May the loyal and valiant heroes of freedom and victory be sealed forever within the hearts of Israel. Yom Ha’atzmaut begins on the fifth day of Iyar, the Hebrew date of the formal establishment of the state. The original date corresponded to May 14, 1948. This year the Hebrew date corresponds to April 26th. The official change from Yom Ha’zikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut takes place a few moments after sundown. The flag of Israel on Mt. Herzl is raised from half staff to the top of the pole, and the speeches, ceremonies and celebrations begin, from music, dancing, picnics and fireworks to the recitation of the Hallel prayer of thanksgiving and the Al HaNissim prayer during the Amidah, in which God is thanked for the many miracles that have been granted us. For American and other Diaspora Jews, celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut is a way to express solidarity with the state of Israel and to strengthen our alliance with it. YOM HA’ATZMAUT AND YOM HA’ZIKARON AT PJA On Yom Ha’zikaron, Wednesday morning, April 25th we will have an assembly to remember the fallen of Israel. This year the commemoration will include songs, poetry readings, and a special Israeli dance. We also have the special honor of having the Israel Defense Force Band come to PJA to join in our Yom Ha’zikaron ceremony and visit classrooms during the day. The following day, Thursday, April 26, we will be celebrating Yom Ha’atzmaut with a special Shuk (market) run by our students in the afternoon. Included in the day will be video presentations by our 8th graders about their recent trip to Israel, Israeli snacks, and booths representing different regions of the country with activities. We will of course have Israeli flags, will encourage all of our students to wear blue and white, and will sing and listen to Israeli music. As always, we pray that the Land of Israel, and all the people in its region, will be blessed with peace. .