Yom Hazikaron Yom Hazikaron ( , Day of Remembrance ) ( in full Yom Hazikaron l ' Chalalei Ma ' arachot Yisrael v ' l ' Nifgaei Peulot Ha ' eivah , " lit . " " Day of Remembrance for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism " ) is Israel ' s official Memorial Day . The national observance was enacted into law in 1963 . While Yom Hazikaron has been traditionally dedicated to fallen soldiers , commemoration has now been extended to civilian victims of political violence , Palestinian political violence , and terrorism in general . History . In 1949 and 1950 , the first two years after the declaration of the State , memorial services for soldiers who fell in the War of Independence were held on Independence Day . Services at military cemeteries were coordinated between the IDF and the Ministry of Defense . A concern arose , expressed by families of fallen soldiers , to establish a separate memorial day observance distinct from the festive celebrations of national independence . In response , and in light of public debate on the issue , Prime Minister David Ben - Gurion - also serving as Minister of Defense - established in January 1951 the " Public Council for Soldiers ' Commemoration " . This council recommended establishing the 4th of Iyyar , the day preceding Independence Day , as the " General Memorial Day for the Heroes of the War of Independence " . This proposal won government approval that same year . Observance . Yom Hazikaron is the national remembrance day observed in Israel for those who fell since 1860 , when Jews were first allowed to live in Palestine outside of Jerusalem ' s Old City walls . National memorial services are held in the presence of Israel ' s top leadership and military personnel . The day opens with a siren the preceding evening at 20 : 00 ( 8 : 00 pm ) , given that in the Hebrew calendar system , a day begins at sunset . The siren is heard all over the country and lasts for one minute , during which Israelis stop everything ( including driving , which stops highways ) and stand in silence , commemorating the fallen and showing respect . Many religious Jews say prayers for the souls of the fallen soldiers at this time . The official ceremony to mark the opening of the day takes place at the Western Wall , and the flag of Israel is lowered to half staff . A two - minute siren is sounded at 11 : 00 the following morning , which marks the opening of the official memorial ceremonies and private remembrance gatherings at each cemetery where soldiers are buried . Many Israelis visit the resting places of loved ones throughout the day . The day officially draws to a close between 19 : 00 and 20 : 00 ( 7 – 8 p . m . ) with the official ceremony of Israel Independence Day at the national military cemetery on Mount Herzl , when the flag of Israel is returned to full staff . Scheduling Yom Hazikaron right before " Yom Ha - Atzma ' ut " is intended to remind people of the price paid for independence and of what was achieved with the soldiers ' sacrifice . This transition shows the importance of this day among Israelis , most of whom have served in the armed forces or have a connection with people who were killed during their military service . Timing . To avoid the possibility of Sabbath desecration should either of these events take place on Saturday night , both Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha ' atzma ' ut are observed one or two days earlier ( the 3rd and 4th , or the 2nd and 3rd , of Iyar ) when the 5th of Iyar falls on a Friday or Saturday ( the " Shabbat " ) . Likewise , when Yom Hazikaron falls on Saturday night / Sunday day , both observances are rescheduled to one day later . In 2013 , the observance begins on Sunday 14 April in the evening , continuing through Monday 15 April .