Yom HaZikaron for the year 2024 is celebrated/observed on Monday, April 24th. There are until the next observance.

Yom HaZikaron is normally observed in April, and this year it is observed from April 24 to April 25. It is an Israeli memorial day characterized by quiet and reverence for Israel’s War of Independence martyrs. Yom HaZikaron is followed by the celebration of Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. The commemoration of Yom HaZikaron communicates the notion that Israel owes its freedom to warriors who gave their lives for the country’s survival. This day commemorates the martyrs of Israel’s independence struggle.

📆 When is Yom HaZikaron?

This year, Yom HaZikaron is on April 24th. It is the 4th Monday in April; in 2024, it is on Wednesday.

Countdown to Yom HaZikaron

Did you know: 4,000 military officers and 2,400 civilians were slain during the American Revolution.

You can also learn all interesting things you didn’t know about and facts about April 24, 2023.

📜 History of Yom HaZikaron

In 1951, Israel’s defense minister, David Ben-Gurion, declared that the General Memorial Day for the Heroes of the War of Independence (Yom HaZikaron) would be held annually on the fourth of Iyar. In 1963, the parliament changed the name to Heroes’ Remembrance Day. In 1980, the name was changed again to Memorial Day for the Fallen of Israel’s Wars Law.

Following these modifications, this memorial day was expanded to include all deceased troops in pre-state fights as well as anybody who risked their life, including police officers, Mossad agents, victims of terrorism, and so on. Memorial Day activities begin at dusk the night before and continue throughout the day.

☑️ Yom HaZikaron facts

1973 War
During the Arab-Israeli conflict in 1973, Israel lost 2,569 troops.

Bus 405
The suicide assault on Bus 405 claimed the lives of 16 people.

Sinai Bombing
In 2004, there were 34 individuals killed in the Sinai bombings.

Things to do on Yom HaZikaron

Cease activities during the siren
On this day, people stop all activity and stand in honor of the dead soldiers when a siren sounds twice during the day: at 8 p.m. on the eve of Yom HaZikaron and at 11 a.m. on the following day. The country observes a two-minute moment of quiet.

Arrange ceremonies
Organize public ceremonies or participate in government-organized national ceremonials. During these rituals, various poems and melodies are recited. Many schools have memorials to people who died while serving their country.

Offer prayers
People pray in memory of the martyrs. Examples: Yizkor (memorial prayer), El Malei Rachamim, and Mourner’s Kaddish are examples. Various rituals include the recitation of prayers.

📅 Yom HaZikaron Observances

YEAR DATE DAY
2023 April 24 Monday
2024 April 24 Wednesday
2025 April 24 Thursday
2026 April 24 Friday
2027 April 24 Saturday

See all April holidays, including Religious and other Awareness holidays.

We will continue to update this page with new information and must-know facts about Yom HaZikaron. So be sure to check back soon.