- Categories:
- Federal
- Tags:
- CivicHistorical
- Where:
- Israel
- Date change rule:
- Begins on the 4th of the Hebrew month Iyar (April–May)
- Holiday emoji:
- 🕯️
Israel Memorial Day, or Yom HaZikaron, is observed on the 4th of the Hebrew month Iyar, falling on Monday, April 20, 2026. This solemn national day of remembrance honors fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror who sacrificed their lives for the state of Israel. Take a moment to reflect on their courage, learn about Israel’s history, and support organizations that aid bereaved families.
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Expected Israel Memorial Day Deals
On Israel Memorial Day, commercial deals are not the focus. Instead, the day is marked by solemn ceremonies and community gatherings to honor the fallen. Many organizations, such as the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization and OneFamily Fund, accept donations to support bereaved families and victims of terror. Individuals can also purchase Israeli flags or memorial candles from local Judaica stores to observe the day respectfully. We encourage you to visit the official websites of these organizations or local community centers for ways to contribute and participate in remembrance events.
Platform Guide for Israel Memorial Day
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Mention @NatlToday and use #YomHaZikaron. Share a tribute to fallen soldiers or a personal reflection on the day’s significance.
Mention National Today (facebook.com/nationaltoday) and use #IsraelMemorialDay. Join community groups discussing the day’s importance and share stories of remembrance.
Tag @nationaltoday_ and use #YomHaZikaron. Post respectful images or videos honoring the fallen, using appropriate filters and captions.
Israel Memorial Day Hero
Theodor Herzl
History of Israel Memorial Day
Yom HaZikaron was observed on Israel’s Independence Day for the first two years — 1949 to 1950. It caused anxiety among relatives of fallen soldiers, who feared that the particular remembering event would be overshadowed. It persuaded parliament to order the event to be held before Independence Day instead, to build a link between commemorating the lost and enjoying the freedom they achieved.
In 1963, Yom HaZikaron was enacted into law as Israel’s official remembrance day. After a series of terrible terrorist attacks on Israeli civilians, the Israeli government passed a resolution on February 5, 1997, instituting that Memorial Day for Israeli Fallen Soldiers should also be a memorial for Victims of Hostile Acts.
At 8:00 p.m., the event begins with a one-minute siren. The siren is blasted across the country, and everyone is required to stop all other activities and stand in complete silence in honor of those who have died. All public places of entertainment are required by law to close from Memorial eve through the next morning. All regular programming on television is halted for the day, and a 24-hour broadcast of the names and ranks of every soldier who has died in the service of Israel begins. There are memorial meetings, rallies, and commemorative events planned. Half-mast flags are flown.
In 2010, a new rite was added to the procession of Yom HaZikaron. This rite was named “Songs” in their memory and entailed using songs to tell the story of the fallen and honor their sacrifice. Singers, military troupes, and other musical groups presented such tunes.
Israel Memorial Day timeline
On Israel's Independence Day, a ceremony honoring dead soldiers takes place.
In Israel, National Remembrance Day begins on its designated day.
National Memorial Day in Israel includes a memorial for victims of hostile acts.
A new memorial rite called “Songs in their Memory" begins to honor the fallen.
How Businesses Can Celebrate Israel Memorial Day
Local businesses in Israel and Jewish communities abroad can observe Israel Memorial Day with solemn respect. Many establishments dim lights, play somber music, and display Israeli flags or memorial candles. Some businesses might close or operate with reduced hours during the siren of remembrance. It’s a day for quiet reflection rather than commercial promotion, emphasizing solidarity with bereaved families and honoring the sacrifices made for the nation’s security.
Israel Memorial Day FAQs
When is Israel Memorial Day?
In 2027, Yom HaZikaron begins at sundown on Sunday, May 9, and is observed on Monday, May 10. The day is marked by national ceremonies and a two-minute siren across Israel.
How many fallen soldiers does Israel Memorial Day honor?
Each year, the official count of fallen soldiers and terror victims is updated, reflecting the ongoing sacrifices for Israel’s security. The day serves as a collective remembrance for all who have given their lives for the nation.
What traditions mark Israel Memorial Day?
Across Israel, public places of entertainment close, and television and radio stations broadcast programs dedicated to the memory of the fallen. Families of soldiers visit graves, and memorial candles are lit in homes and public spaces, fostering a deep sense of national unity and remembrance.
Is Israel Memorial Day a federal holiday?
While not a federal holiday in the United States, it holds profound significance within Jewish communities globally. In Israel, it is a day of deep national introspection and collective memory, with all public entertainment venues closed.
How to Observe Israel Memorial Day
Adorn the Israeli national memorial sticker
The ‘Red Everlasting’ flower is the national memorial flower of Israel, and it can be worn as stickers on shirts and jackets. Celebrate this holiday by adorning this sticker. If the stickers are not available in your location, look up printable images online and print yourself a good one.
Light a memorial candle
A good way to celebrate this holiday and honor the dead is to light a candle in their memory. If you can, say a prayer for the dead and their grieving families.
Halt activities during the siren
Cease all activities and stand at attention for two minutes alongside Israelis at 8 p.m. Israel time on the evening of the holiday, or at 11 a.m. Join the nation of Israel in celebrating the moment marked by the sound of the siren.
5 Interesting Facts About Israel Memorial Day
Two sirens are sounded
There are two sirens on Yom HaZikaron — one sounds at 8:00 pm on Wednesday and the other sounds at 11:00 am on Thursday.
No one goes to work
Organizations close for the day and so do private businesses.
The memorial symbol is a blood-red flower
The symbol of Israel’s Memorial Day is a flower called ‘Red Everlasting’ also known as the ‘Blood of the Maccabees’ in Hebrew.
There was a war for independence
There was a war for Independence in which 4,000 military officers and 2,400 civilians lost their lives.
There are memorial tunes
There are songs written and dedicated to fallen Israeli soldiers and are performed on the day of the memorial
Why Israel Memorial Day is Important
It brings Israel's story to the light
We get to bring Israel’s story to everyone. To mark the meaningful sacrifices of fallen Israeli troops.
It shows support for the people of Israel
We get the chance to show our emotional support for the Jews. We also join in honoring their dead. {It keeps the spirit of patriotism to one’s country alive
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