Mega Mission Participants to Stand in Solidarity with Israelis on Yom Ha’Zikaron
Nearly every family in Israel has suffered the pain of losing a loved one to war or acts of terror – or knows someone who has experienced such a loss. That is why one of the most important days of the calendar for Israelis is Yom Ha’Zikaron (Memorial Day), honoring the memory of the IDF soldiers who fell while defending the people and the State of Israel, as well as victims of acts of terror. On this solemn day, which is always observed the day before Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Independence Day), all of Israel comes to a halt to pay homage to these brave and innocent individuals.
On Tuesday, April 24, participants in the Greater Miami Jewish Federation’s Miami Mega Mission Israel 2012 will have the opportunity to commemorate Yom Ha’Zikaron with their Israeli brothers and sisters. After meeting and having dinner with soldiers at an IDF base, mission-goers will join in on a moving memorial ceremony, followed by a one-minute siren that blares across Israel at 8 p.m. Flags are lowered across Israel and people stop whatever they are doing — including driving — to stand in silence and respect. Later, mission participants will travel to the Knesset for special programming.
As Yom Ha'Zikaron observances continue on Wednesday, April 25, the Miami Mega Mission will travel to Yad Vashem. All activity will cease once again with the two-minute siren at 11 a.m. punctuating the morning. See a video of the observance here. The siren marks the beginning of official memorial ceremonies and private gatherings at each cemetery where soldiers are buried. Mission participants will travel to various memorial sites to lay wreaths in honor of the fallen.
For the Miami Mega Mission, the day will conclude at the Israel Museum, where participants will share in the transition from sacrifice and sadness to one of immense joy and celebration, with the start of Yom Ha’Atzmaut.
