Yom HaZikaron &Yom HaAtzmaut

April 13-15, 2021

Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and Yom HaAtzmaut (Israel Independence Day) are celebrated on the fourth and fifth of Iyar, respectively (typically in April and/or May) unless that date should occur on Shabbat, in which case they may be moved forward or back a day.

Following on the heels of Yom HaShoah (Holocaust Remembrance Day), Yom HaZikaron honors Israeli veterans, fallen soldiers, and Israeli civilians killed by acts of terrorism. It is a day observed with moments of silence and ceremonies at cemeteries and official venues across Israel.

The day ends as the sun sets and Yom HaAtzmaut, Israeli Independence Day, begins with the raising of the Israeli flag on Mount Herzl from the half-mast position it flew in on Yom HaZikaron to the top of the pole. The link between these two days is obvious; without the sacrifice of those in the armed forces, there would have been no independent Jewish state.

Yom HaAtzmaut is celebrated with parades, family gatherings and public shows and dancing. It concludes with the awarding of the "Israel Prize", the most prestigious award given by the State of Israel, which honors those who have made outstanding contributions in their field or to Israeli culture.

On this day, we can take special care to learn about and celebrate the contributions of Israeli women. In 2014, the 66th anniversary of the State of Israel, Yom HaAtzmaut had an official theme, "the time of women," which celebrated in particular the accomplishments of women in Israel. In celebration, Haaretz published a list of "66 Israeli Women You Should Know"; we encourage you to explore this list with your communities and research women who should be added each year in the future!

Programming for Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzmaut

On Yom HaZikaron, stand with Israelis in silence for two minutes at 8 p.m. Israel Standard Time, to recognize the fallen soldiers.
As a sisterhood, develop a relationship with Israel through WRJ-Israel. Take advantage of WRJ-Israel twinning and create community across borders. Follow the example set by Or Ami-winning twinning pairs:
- WRJ Kehillat Emet VeShalom of Nahariya, Israel and Women of Reform Judaism of Temple Emanu-El of Tuscon, AZ, have coordinated join religious, social justice, and educational programs; strengthened bonds between Jewish women in the diaspora and Israel; and bolstered their own Jewish identities through projects like a joint Shabbat Shira service.
- Women's Group of Kehillat Mevakshei Derech of Jerusalem, Israel and Temple Beth David of Commack, NY connect by Skype through song, prayer, discussion, and nosh, and hold joing programs to celebrate holidays.
- Norh Shore Congregation Israel of Glencoe, IL hosted a Rabbi from their WRJ-Israel twin congregation for a weekend Shabbat retreat.
- Congregation Kol Tikvah Sisterhood of Parkland, FL held a joint program with their ARZA committee to celebrate Rosh Chodesh, Israel, and important women in Israeli history. They prayed and learned together at an event which featured Israeli songs, dance, and food and drinks.
Recognize Israeli women who have made a difference. The Jewish Women’s Archive has profiles on many women from Israel—select a few whose stories resonate with you, and talk about their accomplishments in your communities
Host a community picnic with Israeli foods, including: hummus; hatzilim (eggplant); t’chinah (sesame paste); olives; labeneh (a sharp but creamy yogurt cheese); a salad containing tomatoes and cucumbers tossed in oil, lemon juice, and salt; bourekas (puff-pastries filled with salty cheese, potato, spinach, or meat); and grilled meat, chicken, and/or fish.
Make Israel-themed arts and crafts with younger members of your community: paint Israeli flags with glittery star centers, or make Yom HaAtzmaut pinwheels.
Hold an evening of Israeli dancing with a professional teacher.
Organize a special Shabbat service with readings of Psalms about Jerusalem, Israeli poetry, and writings on Zionism.
Celebrate Israeli contributions to visual art, film, literature, and poetry. Exhibit art, screen a film, discuss a book, and/or host a poetry reading with hummus and wine or grape juice.