BICOM

Israelis will continue to remember its fallen soldiers and terror victims throughout Remembrance Day today before the atmosphere turns to one of joy this evening as Independence Day is ushered in.

A one-minute siren was followed yesterday evening by a ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, where President Reuven Rivlin lit a memorial torch. Rivlin addressed the televised event saying, “The deaths of those who died defending our home force us to deepen our commitment to building that home as a more just home, a more compassionate home, a home where not only those who have fallen, but all those within it are equal.”

Earlier in the day Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed bereaved families, saying “This upright nation today lowers its head and its flag in gratitude that knows no bounds, in the memory of our loved ones who fell. 23,320 fallen in Israel’s wars. Jews, Christians, Muslims, Bedouin, Druze, Circassians.”

This morning, a two-minute siren at 11am (local time) will signal the start of memorial ceremonies across the country at military cemeteries, in schools and in many work places. Regular television and radio programming is suspended for the day. The state memorial ceremony will take place at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem and will be followed by a ceremony for the victims of terror attacks. The Defence Ministry estimates that more than 1.5million Israelis will visit military cemeteries yesterday evening and today.

This evening, the traditional torch lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl will signal the end of Remembrance Day and the start of Independence Day as the mood of the country switches from sadness to celebration. Millions of Israelis will participate in popular barbeques and picnics throughout tomorrow, which is a national holiday. The perennial Israel Air Force flyover in the morning will be followed by the presentation of the Israel Prize to recipients for outstanding achievement.