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Yom HaZikaron

National memorial day on the fourth day of Iyar to commemorate Israel's fallen soldiers and civilian victims of hostile acts.

Monday

May 2027

Last updated February 11, 2026 · by the Holiday Calendar Team

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YEARLY DATEFourth day of Iyar

OBSERVED INIsrael

CATEGORYReligion

SUBCATEGORYJewish

ORIGIN

Enacted Law

FOUNDING ENTITY

Knesset of the State of Israel

FIRST OBSERVED

1951

HOW THE HOLIDAY CAME TO BE

In January 1951, Prime Minister and Defense Minister David Ben-Gurion established the Public Council for Soldiers' Commemoration, which recommended designating the fourth of Iyar as a general memorial day for the heroes of the War of Independence. The Knesset later anchored this practice in the Heroes' Remembrance Day Law of 1963, subsequently amended in 1980 as the Memorial Day for the Fallen of Israel's Wars Law, expanding commemoration to all security forces and victims of hostile acts.

View Statutevia m.knesset.gov.il

INTRO

Introduction

PHOTO

Embark on a journey of remembrance this May 12 as we commemorate Yom HaZikaron. This important day, also known as Israeli Memorial Day, is dedicated to the brave men and women who have given their lives in defense of the State of Israel. Yom HaZikaron has its roots in the early days of Israel's statehood, and was first observed in 1949, a year after the establishment of the modern State of Israel. It is a profound day of homage and sober reflection, paying tribute to fallen soldiers as well as civilian victims of terrorism. Join us in honoring these courageous individuals whose sacrifices have made a significant impact on the country we know today.

TIMELINE

Yom HaZikaron Timeline

Yom HaZikaron Inception

Yom HaZikaron was first observed a year after the establishment of the State of Israel in recognition of fallen soldiers and defense personnel.

Inclusion of Terror Victims

In 1961, civilian victims of terrorist acts were officially included in Yom HaZikaron commemorations.

National Remembrance Hall

The National Remembrance Hall was established in Jerusalem as a memorial to all fallen soldiers.

Recognition of Pre-Statehood Fighters

Fighters who fought for the establishment of Israel before 1948 were officially included in Yom HaZikaron.

Inclusion of Victims of Hostility

Victims of hostility, including those making Aliyah to Israel under dangerous situations, were commemorated in Yom HaZikaron.

GET INVOLVED

How to Celebrate Yom HaZikaron

Visit a memorial or memorial site

Show your respect and remember the fallen by visiting a memorial or historically significant site. This can be a military cemetery, a local monument or an online virtual tour of a site in Israel.

LIGHT

Light a candle in remembrance

Lighting a memory candle can be a significant act, symbolizing remembrance of the deceased. This can be done at home in a quiet space where you can take a moment to reflect on their sacrifice.

PARTICIPATE

Participate in a moment of silence

In Israel, a nation-wide siren is sounded to signify the beginning of Yom HaZikaron, during which everyone stops and observes two minutes of silence. Join this tradition wherever you are in the world and remember the brave individuals who gave their lives.

Share stories of the fallen

Take time to learn and share stories about fallen heroes whose sacrifice shaped Israel. This can be done through reading, watching documentaries, or participating in virtually led discussions and webinars.

DONATE

Donate to organizations that support victims' families

Consider supporting the families left behind by making a donation to organizations that provide them with support and assistance. Your contribution helps ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten.

WHY THIS DAY MATTERS

Why Yom HaZikaron is Important

Building Connection and Understanding

Celebrating Yom HaZikaron allows us to connect with the history, culture, and people of Israel. By participating in ceremonies, moments of silence, or sharing stories about the fallen, we foster understanding and connection across generations and borders.

Solemn Remembrance

Yom HaZikaron provides a dedicated and universal opportunity for individuals, communities, and nations to come together in solemn remembrance of fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism in Israel. It's a day to reflect on the price of freedom and the cost of conflict.

Paying Tribute

On Yom HaZikaron, we have the opportunity and obligation to honor those who have given their lives for the protection of Israeli statehood. We get to appreciate their bravery, resilience, and sacrifice, ensuring their memories live on.

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