Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut
Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut are observed as consecutive days in Israel – first remembering fallen soldiers and victims of terror, then celebrating the founding of the State in 1948. Jewish communities worldwide mark these days in diverse ways, reflecting a range of traditions and connections.
Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut are observed on or near the 4 and 5 Iyar in the Hebrew calendar, which usually falls in April or early May.
As relatively new additions to the Jewish calendar, Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut have few established traditions outside Israel.
In many diaspora communities, observance often includes communal gatherings that may feature a memorial service for Yom HaZikaron, followed by celebrations, learning and reflective events as part of Yom HaAtzmaut.
These events are often held on the evening between Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut, marking the transition from remembrance to celebration; from pain of the past and the hope for the future.
Progressive communities mark these days as an expression of their deep connection to the Land of Israel and those living in the modern State. They are a chance to emphasise joy in Israel’s past and present achievements – or simply the fact that Israel exists as the long-hoped-for and now fulfilled expression of Jewish national determination.
It is also a moment for our communities to re-internalise the vision of Israel’s founders: to create a state that:
“will promote the development of the country for the benefit of all its inhabitants; will be based on precepts of liberty, justice and peace taught by the Hebrew prophets; will uphold the full social and political equality of all its citizens without distinction of race, creed or sex; will guarantee full freedom of conscience, worship, education and culture; will safeguard the sanctity and inviolability of shrines and holy places of all religions; and will dedicate itself to the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.”
For communities across the world, Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut are not only moments of commemoration and festivity, but opportunities to renew our commitment to Israel’s founding ideals and to envision the future we hope to build together.
If you want to experience Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut in a welcoming, inclusive, and egalitarian setting, we’d love to welcome you into one of our Progressive congregations.
