Melancholy to Exuberance: Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut

Amit Zalman (’26)

Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut are two important national holidays for Israel and the Jewish people. These holidays hold a deep significance for Israelis and serve as a reminder of the country’s history and the sacrifices made to defend it. Yom Hazikaron, also known as Israel’s Memorial Day, is a day to remember and honor the soldiers who have fallen in defense of the country, as well as the victims of terrorism.

The remembrance in Israel begins with a siren at 8:00 in the evening, and Israeli citizens stop whatever they’re doing to stand and listen for their remembrance. Private memorial ceremonies take place the following day, with another two-minute siren at 11:00 in the morning. This day of remembrance is a time for families and communities to come together to mourn and remember those who have passed away. Many Israelis visit the graves of their loved ones or attend memorial services. In addition, schools and community centers hold events to commemorate the fallen and honor their sacrifices. The day really highlights the importance of remembering the sacrifice and bravery of those who gave their lives in order to defend our Independence and protect Israel.

Last Week’s Solution

At the MHA, the Kollel Torah Mitzion and Bat Ami organized a Yom Hazikaron ceremony that the school attended. They taught us about 8 important soldiers that sacrificed their life in honor of Israel and we stood up for sirens that marked a moment of silence. We ended off the ceremony with a meaningful Hatikva.

On the other hand, Yom Haatzmaut, or Israeli independence day, is a celebration of the country’s founding and its continued existence as a Jewish state. It’s a day to celebrate freedom and the strength of the Israeli people. This year, Margolin Hebrew Academy participated in its annual march to celebrate Yom Haatzmaut. The whole school joins together to parade through the streets of the school and neighborhood. The march is a way for our students to connect with the broader Jewish community and deliver our support for Israel.

For me, as an Israeli, Yom Haatzmaut holds a special place in my heart. It’s a day to celebrate our independence and the freedom that we have fought so hard for throughout the years. It’s a time to come together as a community and show our pride in our country. When marching, with friends, family, and teachers, I feel a sense of unity and pride as I see all the students come together to celebrate this special day. The march at Margolin Hebrew Academy really is an important part of our celebration of Yom Haatzmaut.

As we celebrate Yom Haatzmaut and participate in the march at Margolin Hebrew Academy, it also gives us a moment to remember and honor the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism.

Ultimately, it’s important to note that both Yom Hazikaron and Yom Haatzmaut are not just about the past, but also about the future. As Israel continues to face challenges and threats, it’s important to come together as a community to support and defend the state of Israel with every given chance. These holidays serve as a reminder of the sacrifices that have been made and the ongoing responsibility that we all have to ensure the safety of the State of Israel.