What is Yom HaZikaron
Yom HaZikaron is Israel’s Memorial Day, honoring fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Its official name means “Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism,” and it was enacted into Israeli law in 1963.
When is Yom HaShoah??
Yom HaZikaron is normally observed on the 4 Iyar on the Hebrew calendar, but the date can shift if needed to avoid conflict with Shabbat.
In 2026, Yom HaZikaron begins at sundown on Monday, April 20 and ends at nightfall on Tuesday, April 21.
How is Yom HaZikaron Commemorated?
In Israel, the day is marked by two sirens lasting a minute where the whole country stops to remember. All entertainment venues and many restaurants are closed, and there are many public memorial ceremonies. Schools, military cemeteries, and official venues hold remembrance events, and the is purposely solemn before the transitioning into Yom HaAtzmaut at sunset. Around the world, Jews also commemorate Yom HaZikaron to remember those both from Israel and from the diaspora who lost their live defending the Jewish state. As the Jewish people are considerably small, and conscription in Israel mandatory, there is a high chance that every Jewish person knows or knows of at least one person killed in action.
How can I mark Yom HaZikaron?
Yom HaZikaron is often a deeply personal and inward-facing day for many Jewish and Israeli colleagues, so the most appropriate response is usually to lead with sensitivity, learning, and quiet support.
- Take time to learn what Yom HaZikaron commemorates and why it carries such emotional weight for many in the Jewish community and for Israelis.
- Avoid assuming that colleagues will want to speak publicly about the day; instead, create space for people to share only if they choose to.
- If appropriate, ask trusted Jewish or Israeli colleagues what meaningful support looks like in your workplace this year.
Where can I learn more?
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