Video Captures Israel Remembering IDF Fallen, Terror Victims

By Joel Leyden
Israel News Agency

Jerusalem ----- May 7, 2008 ....... As sunset falls on Israel, thousands of ordinary people gather in every city and town. They come to attend solemn ceremonies for Yom Hazikaron, the day to remember and pay respect for those who gave their lives to defend Israel.

The names of over 22,400 soldiers and terror victims are called out and their photographs are displayed on large screens. Brave IDF soldiers who fought in every war since 1948, police who were killed protecting the civilian population, members of the Shabak and Mossad are honored.

Remembrance Day for the Fallen of Israel's Wars is commemorated a week after Holocaust Remembrance Day, as a day of remembrance for those who fell in the struggle for the establishment of the State of Israel and in its defense.

 

The Israel News Agency filmed a video this morning to illustrate what it felt and sounded like before, during and after the two minute air raid siren sounded for Remembrance Day in a town in central Israel.

At 8 p.m. and then again at 11 a.m. the following morning, loud, wailing air raid sirens are heard throughout Israel for two minutes. People and cars freeze in their places. Silence is observed as everyone stands and bows their heads in respect. For 24 hours all places of entertainment are closed and television programming is dedicated to those who have and continue to defend Israel.

All of Israel has the opportunity to remember its debt and express its eternal gratitude to its sons and daughters who gave their lives for the achievement of the country's independence and its continued existence.

"The siren sounded across the country and the clock of life in Israel stopped for one minute," said Israel Prime Minister Ehud Olmert at the opening of his speech at the Remembrance Day ceremony on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, Israel.

"Israel Remembrance Day is a sad day but bereft of all strife and very Israeli," Olmert said. "Anyone who identifies with the flag, even if he is on the other end of the planet will identify with this day. No one in Israel is estranged from the impact of loss."

"Only you, the families, take part in the world of the loved ones who are gone," Olmert said. "Dear families, I cannot console you with words, for they do not offer relief for the sorrow."

"Our entire national existence depends on our willingness and ability to defend ourselves, to battle the enemy. Your sons and daughters gave their lives for a supreme cause," the Prime Minister said.

"Peace and not war is our ends and the thing we long for."

 

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