Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut

Today we commemorate Yom HaZikaron, Israel's Memorial Day.  While we celebrate Israel's independence with great joy, it has come at great cost in human lives to its citizens - more than 25,000 fallen soldiers since 1948.  Because of this loss, Israel honors the memory of those who gave their lives for their country on the day immediately preceding Yom HaAtzmaut, the joyous Independence Day celebration.  Israel's memorial day is not marked by picnics, fairs, great sales, and fireworks, rather sirens are sounded simultaneous throughout the entire country for one minute, once in the morning and once in the afternoon.  As the alarm pierces the air, all traffic comes to a halt and everyone stands for a moment of silence in honor of those who have fallen. 

Once Yom HaZikaron ends, the festivities of Yom HaAztzmaut begin.  This year marks 64 years of the State of Israel.  Check out this great blog post of Benji Lovitt's list of sixty four things he loves about Israel.