Yom Hazikaron Commemorations in Denver and Boulder May 7

Yom Hazikaron Gives Jewish Community A Chance to Honor Fallen Soldiers and Innocent Victims of Terror

On Tuesday, May 7, in Denver, JEWISHcolorado welcomes Coloradans of all faiths to gather at Congregation Rodef Shalom as we observe Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Day of Remembrance of Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror. This year’s commemoration will also include a tribute to victims of the attack on Chabad of Poway, California and Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh.

JEWISHcolorado is thrilled to be presenting a similar event with the Israeli American Council and the Boulder JCC, from 6:00 – 9:00 pm, also on Tuesday, May 7.

Yom Hazikaron takes place each year on the day preceding Israel’s Independence Day celebration to remember those who lost their lives fighting for the establishment of the state of Israel, those killed while serving in active duty in Israel’s armed forces, and innocent victims of terrorist attacks throughout the country. This solemn day is a strong recognition by Israelis of the ultimate sacrifice made for the existence of an independent Jewish state.

Here in Colorado, a moving ceremony will include a recitation of the names of fallen soldiers and terror victims, shared by Colorado Rabbis and Israeli citizens. A memorial hall will include portraits and stories of all those honored. In Israel, all places of public entertainment are closed for 24 hours on Yom Hazikaron. A siren sounds throughout the country twice, marking the beginning of the day and the start of public prayer recitation in military cemeteries. At the sound of the siren, all traffic and daily activities come to a standstill for two minutes. Radio and television broadcasts air programs on the lives and heroic deeds of fallen soldiers and Israeli songs commemorating the day. High schools display a memorial corner with photos of the school graduates who fell in battle or while on military duty. All teenagers and children wear white shirts and blue pants or skirts. Soldiers spend the day at military cemeteries in full uniform.

Please join us as we honor all of the innocent lives lost in the name of Jewish freedom.