Between Passover and Shavuot, Israel and world Jewry have three special days of memory and celebration: Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day).
In the face of adversity, Palm Beach is standing strong with our Jewish homeland. Please take advantage of these resources that will provide you with historical information, articles, videos and more, so you can join with our global family in paying tribute to those lost and celebrate Israel’s Independence Day.
Yom HaShoah
Of the many events held throughout Israel to pay tribute to the six million Jewish men, women and children murdered during the Holocaust, one of the most memorable is the sounding of sirens throughout the country at 10 a.m. on Yom HaShoah (this year, on May 6).
- View footage of this very powerful tribute
Ceremonies
- View a recording of the official Yom HaShoah ceremony held in 2023 at Yad Vashem – The World Holocaust Remembrance Center.
- Watch video testimonies from Holocaust survivors in Yad Vashem’s Online Torchlighter Film Archive.
Online Exhibitions
- Access numerous online exhibitions from Yad Vashem.
Articles
- Overview: Holocaust Martyrs’ and Heroes’ Remembrance Day 2024
- Holocaust Remembrance Day history and resources
- Who needs Holocaust Remembrance Day in 2024?
- Visit the iCenter for additional resources
Yom HaZikaron
In Israel, there are two nationwide sirens to mark moments of silence and reflection. The first is at 8 p.m. as Israel’s Memorial Day begins (this year, on May 12). The second is at 11 a.m. the following morning. Initially focusing on fallen soldiers, it now also honors civilian victims of terrorism in the wake of the horrific attacks that began on October 7. This act to stand in silent tribute to the fallen is one of unity and respect and sets the tone for the day’s commemoration.
- Click here for video previously recorded in Jerusalem of the country coming to a standstill for a moment of silence on Yom HaZikaron.
Articles
- Yom HaZikaron 2024 – Israel’s Memorial Day: Ceremony & History
- Read about the opening of the National Hall of Remembrance on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem
- Yom HaZikaron: A Day of Pause and Reflection
- ישי ריבו – פורחים לשובם “Blooming for their return”
- יסמין מועלם – יהיה טוב “It will be good”
- יגל אושרי – לצאת מדיכאון Get out of depression”
- אמני ישראל – קטן עלינו “Small task for us”
- “When the Heart Cries/Kshe halev Boche” by Sarit Hadad, a song commonly performed at Yom HaZikaron ceremonies throughout Israel.
- “A Million Stars/Milyon Kochavim” dedicated to Captain Tom Farkash who was killed in a helicopter crash during the Second Lebanon War, is a popular Yom HaZikaron song.
- “Cry To You/Livkot Lecha” written by Aviv Geffen and performed by Arik Einstein, a common Yom HaZikaron song in Israel.
Video
- View a guided tour through Mount Herzl, the cemetery for fallen IDF soldiers.
Taste of Memories
Taste of Memories is a unique initiative that works to commemorate Israeli victims of terror and fallen Israel Defense Forces soldiers, through cooking their favorite recipes and telling the stories of their lives. A way of keeping their memory alive.
- Click here to take part in this poignant tribute.
Yom HaAtzmaut
Israel’s Independence Day is commemorated immediately following the end of Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day). The typically joyous events celebrating the day in 1948 in which Israel gained independence, will be more muted this year by the ongoing Israel Hamas War. Our community can share in Israel’s remembrance of this special day by participating in these virtual options.
- Read how this year’s celebrations will be adjusted after terror attacks and war
- Learn more about Yom HaAtzmaut
- 12 ways to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut like an Israeli.
- 10 ways to celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut from home.
- Learn about the history of the “mangal” (barbeque), the staple of Yom
Songs
- Global Hatikvah – Add your voice to a virtual choral movement uniting the Jewish community and friends of Israel around the world.
- “Hope,” a Fountainheads acapella song & music video in honor of Yom HaAtzmaut
- “My Flag is Blue and White/Hadegel Sheli Hu Kachol VeLavan,” a popular children’s song for Yom HaAtzmaut festivities in Israel
- Spotify Playlist –the 17 best Yom HaAtzmaut songs from old to new Israeli music
- Spotify Playlist – Yom HaAtzmaut through 21st century Pop music in Israel
- Yom HaAtzmaut Explained for Kids
- Jewish Holidays for Kids | PJ Library
- Yom HaAtzmaut – Intro to Israeli Independence Day
A Piece of History
- The frontpage of The New York Times on May 15, 1948, the day that Israel declared its independence.
- David Ben-Gurion reading the State of Israel’s Declaration of Independence
- Read Israel’s Declaration of Independence
- U.S. Recognition of the State of Israel
