Israeli Memorial Day, Yom Ha’Zikaron, is observed on the 4th of Iyar, the day before Israeli Independence Day, Yom Ha’AtzmautIsrael Independence Day, celebrated with parties and parades on the 5th of the Jewish month of Iyar; preceeded by Israel Memorial Day.. Yom Ha’Zikaron commemorates those who lost their lives in the establishment of the Jewish state and those who have died in active duty since then. In IsraelLit. ”the one who struggles with God.” Israel means many things. It is first used with reference to Jacob, whose name is changed to Israel (Genesis 32:29), the one who struggles with God. Jacob’s children, the Jewish people, become B’nai Israel, the children of Israel. The name also refers to the land of Israel and the State of Israel., places of entertainment are closed for the day and a siren blast precedes two moments of silence, where traffic stops and attention is given to the solemnity of the day. Outside of Israel, diaspora Jews mark the day with ritual and prayer.
“Dear God, help us look, / look closer so that we may see / our children in their children”
Prayer for the State of Israel updated to be inclusive of all its inhabitants
“Are there truly two Jerusalems?”
A prayer for rain during the Amidah on Shemini Atzeret in memory of those fallen during the Yom Kippur War
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