Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Official Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, the day which publicly remembers the fallen in all the wars which Israel has had to fight during the 70 years since Independence was granted in 1948 – it commences at nightfall on Tuesday evening 17th April 2018. Shops will close earlier than usual. Places of entertainment will not be open.
Yom Hazikaron begins at sundown (8.00pm) when a siren is sounded across the country for one minute. Everybody stops what they are doing, including cars driving on the highway, and observes the silence to show their respect and remember the fallen. That evening, the official State Ceremony to mark the start of Yom Hazikaron takes place at the Western Wall (the Kotel) in Jerusalem. Unlike in many other countries, Israel’s wars have taken place at home and being a small country, almost everybody knows somebody who died in the country’s wars making Yom Hazikaron an incredibly personal time of remembrance.
On Wednesday 18th April, 2018 sirens will sound at 11.00 am throughout the country for a 2 minute silence – and the country again comes to a standstill – if this is your first time here on such a day, be prepared for an incredible sight, where transport and people literally ‘stop in their tracks’ to observe the silence.
That evening, between 7:00pm and 8.00pm, another state ceremony takes place, this one at Mount Herzl, Israel’s National Military Ceremony. This ceremony marks the end of Yom Hazikaron, and the beginning of Yom Haaztmaut, Israel’s Independence Day, a day which contrasts dramatically to what preceded it and a strong reminder of the price Israel has paid, and continues to pay for her independence.
The conclusion of Yom HaZikaron sees a reversal and the country explodes into celebrations for this very special Yom Ha’atzmaut – the 70th Anniversary of the Foundation of the State.
Netanya celebrates 70 years of Israel’s Independence |
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Wednesday, April 18 New Independence Square 8:00 p.m. Emcee and song: Shai Hambar Yehuda Elias Roni Dalumi Shlomi Shabat The youth of Netanya salute the city and the state | Havatselot Netanya Dance Troupe East stage with screens 7:00 p.m. Festive prayer Yitzchak Meir and the Ve’nismacha band play Jewish music West stage Local bands 11:00 p.m. – 12:00 a.m. Public dancing with Ronen Oved Nofiki Shai and Roy
Agam Hahoref Park 9:00 p.m. Broadcast live on Skazi Hatikva 6 Moshe Peretz Aviados Stars from Schuna Nathan Goshen Free shuttles to and from Agam Hahoref stage will operate from 9:00 p.m. through the end of the event From the city center (Taipei restaurant), from the northern part of the city: (Weizman corner of Sokolov), from the eastern part of the city (University Square) and from the southern part of the city (Ha’nevi’im corner of Ben Zvi)
Gan Ovadia – Neot Ganim 8:30 p.m. Shai and Roy Sagiv Cohen and Daklon Local bands
Amphi Kanion Ir Yamim 8:00 p.m. Muli and Tzumi Roy Boy Local bands
Sportek Netanya East 8:00 p.m. 7:30 p.m. Jewish music stage Stars from Shchuna Dudu Tassa Local bands
Blue and White Nite Israel’s beach party DJ Itay Galo DJ Tomer Maizner DJ Adi Noy Café Shahor Hazak Entrance is free, age 18+, advance registration required www.israelparty70.co.il
Thursday, April 19 City parks – Stilt walkers, comic photo team, magnet photographer and more will greet you from 10:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. in the areas where barbecuing is allowed. Netanya Museum – Interactive quiz for the entire family and guided tours, every hour on the hour from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Beit Habe’er – Independence Day happening for the entire family and tours of the permanent exhibitions from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Friday, April 20 5 Iyar: Israel dances and welcomes the Sabbath Public dancing, dance troupes, choirs, multimedia clips on the screens in the square New Independence Square (beneath the screens) 3:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m. In conjunction with the Ministry of Culture and Sport |
For details of all the events in and around the city, please click here http://www.netanya.muni.il/eng/