Beginning at sundown yesterday,the nation of Israel commemorates Yom HaZikaron, Day of Remembrance.  (A Jewish day begins at sundown, thus holidays, festivals and commemorations always begin at sundown.)

Yom HaZikaron commemorates fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism.  Though similar to Memorial Day which is celebrated in America in May, there is one distinction that I believe reveals Israel’s extreme reverence of life.  Just as they do on Holocaust Remembrance Day, the entire nation of Israel comes to a complete halt for moments of silence to remember and honor the fallen.  Every person stops whatever they are doing, including driving, and joins in silent unison. Nothing is more important in those moments than remembering their heroes who gave their very life for the sake of Israel.

I recommend this post from Behold Israel for a true Jewish perspective of Yom HaZikaron.

To Jews everywhere: I join you in remembering your fallen, and I pray for the peace of Jerusalem.  Your heroes deserve honor, and may their sacrifices never be in vain.

Shalom