"Yom Hazikaron - Memorial Day of Israel's Fallen Soldiers and Terror Victims"

B"H

Israel's Memorial Day for its fallen soldiers and terror victims has started at 8pm. A one - minute siren sound and I have hardly ever seen Tel Aviv that quiet. It still is, as shops, restaurants and any entertaining events are closed. 

Tel Aviv has only been that quiet on the last Seder night and on last week's Erev Yom Hashoah (Holocaust Memorial Day). 

For a little while, I watched the central memorial service on TV. Most Israel channels broadcasted live from the Kotel (Western Wall) where President Shimon Peres, the Chief - of - Staff Benny Ganz and the Army Chief Rabbi spoke. Hundreds of mourning parents and relatives were invited and it was a moving event. In particular I liked Shimon Peres' speech who almost started crying. He didn't concentrate much on politics but referred to the location in front of the Kotel and the meaning of the Beit HaMikdash for the Jewish people. 

There will be another two - minute siren sound tomorrow morning at 11am. Yom Hazikaron is one of the most emotional days in Israel.