This year, in the aftermath of the devastating October 7 attacks and ensuing war, the act of honoring our fallen IDF soldiers and terror victims carries new weight. Tragically, our list of individuals we must remember and pay tribute to this Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, has grown much longer.
The recognition of Israel’s establishment as an independent Jewish state on Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, feels incredibly urgent this year. And this urgency is underscored as Jews in countries worldwide confront an alarming surge in antisemitism.
Join The Jewish Agency in marking Israel’s national days next week at these deeply meaningful upcoming events.
- Masa’s Yom HaZikaron Memorial Ceremony on May 12 at 7:50 pm Israel time (12:50 pm EDT). The largest English-speaking international ceremony, this year’s theme is “We are One” and the event will be livestreamed on our Facebook page.
- National Institutions’ Memorial Day Ceremony on May 13 at 8:45 am Israel time in the plaza in front of our Jerusalem headquarters. Dedicated to Olim Lone Soldiers, the event will also be livestreamed with English translations on our Facebook page, and the recording will be posted.
You can also take part in these activities to mark Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut:
- The Jewish Agency’s Memorial Website: Visit our Memorial Website to remember those we’ve lost from The Jewish Agency family in the October 7 attacks and the ensuing war: Visit the page
- Memorialize a Soldier: Join the Ministry of Defense’s initiative to light memorial candles for fallen IDF soldiers on Yom HaZikaron eve. Watch Jewish Agency Chairman Doron Almog and Aryeh Moalem, Executive Director of the Department of Commemoration and Heritage Families of the Israel Ministry of Defense share a message here. You can also visit the Izkor Website (English) for more information.
- Connection and Dialogue: the Poetry of Yehuda Amichai z”l – Marking 100 Years: Be inspired by Yehuda’s poems which can open a moving and meaningful dialogue about the struggles and development of the Jewish people, allowing us to expose and examine Jewish values, Jewish identity, and the Jewish spirit.
- Solidarity Salons: Host an intimate evening where participants can come together to meaningfully discuss and learn around proposed themes including:
- Sisterhood: Women Heal the Fractures of War Online Exhibit: Acclaimed Israeli photojournalist Avishag Shaar-Yashuv has showcased nine relationships between women from The Jewish Agency’s Fund for Victims of Terror and women they helped during the war. View the portrait series and read about the connections forged in a time of darkness and pain.
For more activities and information, visit https://www.jewishagency.org/israel76/
Plus, the Chidon HaTanach, the International Bible Contest in partnership with the Israeli government, will be held in Jerusalem on May 14; our Chairman of the Executive, Major General (Res.) Doron Almog will address the contestants.
And we’re producing a special video for Israel’s 76th birthday on Yom Ha’Atzmaut — stay tuned!
As we stand together in remembrance and celebration, let us honor the courage of our fallen soldiers, unite in solidarity against antisemitism, and embrace the resilience and determination of Israel. Join us in commemorating Israel’s Memorial and Independence Days with meaningful events that strengthen our bonds and inspire hope for the future.
