Login

Sugia Kivunim Beit-Midrash

Synopsis

Seperate the two days!

Seperate the two days!

The date of Memorial Day was a compromise

In 1950, the cabinet, headed by Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion,decided that the commemoration ceremonies for those slain in Israel’s War of Independence would take place as a part of the Independence Day celebrations.

However, the contrast between the general jubilation of the public
and the grief of those who had lost their loved ones was too much to bear
for the bereaved families.
It was thus decided to set the official memorial day on the 4th of Iyar,
the day before Independence Day.

Still  the swift transition from solemn mourning to celebration is still  jarring for many of  the families.

 

5
Summary  

The Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars and for Terror Victims
is marked every year on the fourth of Iyar
one week after the Holocaust Remembrance Day

The day is dedicated to commemorating the country’s soldiers
and members of security forces, the memory of the fallen from the pre-state undergrounds, and to victims of terrorism.

The day starts on the evening of the fourth of Iyar and ends the following evening
with the opening of the Independence Day celebrations.

The practice of commemorating the fallen on this day
is  to mark the connection between Independence Day
and the people who died to achieve and maintain this independence