Memorial Day

Israel Independence Day is preceded by Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day), this year on April 28, 2009. Yom Hazikaron commemorates our fallen soldiers. In a place where almost everyone has lost a friend or family member in the service of their country, this is a somber day indeed. Some places of business may be closed. The radio plays somber music. You will hear the sirens wail on Monday evening, and then again at 10 a.m. on Tuesday morning, signaling a moment of silence in memory of our fallen soldiers. It is customary for people to stand silently during the siren – don’t be surprised if the bus you’re riding on when the siren goes off pulls over so the driver and passengers can stand.

If you’re going to be touring on Yom Hazikaron, don’t plan any visit to Har Herzl or Yad Vashem on that day as these will be closed for official ceremonies for government officials and family members of fallen soldiers.

May 11: Yad Vashem
May 12: The Temple Mount, the Western Wall, Mount Zion.
May 15: The Church of the Holy Sepulcher

(May 13 and 14, the pope will be visiting Bethlehem, south of Jerusalem, and Nazareth, in the Galilee.)

• Six Places You Didn’t Think You Could Afford: Israel.
  
• Hotels where foreign correspondents stay (read more about the history of the American Colony Hotel on our website.)
  
• Religious and spiritual tours around the world