At 8 pm today in Israel, a siren will ring throughout the land. The significance of this sound to the 7,000,000 citizens of Israel carries with it over 140 years of history, stretching back to when Jews were first allowed to return to the holy land. Every man, woman and child will cease all activity and stand in silent commemoration of the brave fallen soldiers who gave their lives to protect Israel and the Jewish people. It is a curious sight for many who are unaware of the tradition. All businesses cease, cars speeding on the highway stop in their tracks. For this single minute, Israel is frozen in time.
Yom Hazikaron, the national day of remembrance for Israel’s fallen soldiers, is tied to the very blood of the land. For since the first Jews returned to its shores, our brothers and sisters have continued to give their lives in defense of our homeland. Without their legendary and heroic feats in the face of repeated insurmountable odds, Israel as we know it might not be here today.
As the diaspora, we are not able to commemorate this day like our Israeli friends do, by visiting a soldier’s grave or witnessing the official ceremony where the Israeli flag is lowered to half-staff at the Western Wall. But what we can do is set aside a minute of our day, whether it be during lunch or on our commute home or later this evening at home, to silently reflect on the sacrifices made by our Jewish brethren. And you can light a candle to represent the undying fire of the Jewish people. However you choose to memorialize Yom Hazikaron, remember you are connected with Jews all around the world doing the same.