If there was one day in the year I truly wish I could go back to Israel for, it would be today – Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day). It is the day I feel furthest from home; most taken out of context. A day that is such an important part of Israeli reality; a tremendously sad day where we commemorate those who gave their lives so that we could live, independent in our country.
A day where we sing songs teary eyed and add more soldiers names to the long list of fallen soldiers since the start of our young state. A day when we reflect on the continuing bloodshed and wonder if it will ever cease. A day when we stand silent and sing our national anthem proudly. And even with all the typical Israeli cynicism, today we come together, as a consolidated people still struggling to justify our right for a home.
On memorial day, a siren is heard throughout the country, and everything stops; all cars, people, everyone stops, and stands in silence. Such powerful, strong silence is overwhelming. Even kids know, that when the siren sounds, you stop, stand, and reflect.
One of my favorite Yom Hazikaron songs, translated from Hebrew.
PERACH (flower):
There, in the dust and the sky’s blue
a piece of peace exists
Sleep flower, sleep
Sleep little girl.
They took life from you
Oh, holy wars
Angels wept for you
With dry eyes.
Your smile, baby girl,
They buried in the ground
how does silence grow
from within the chaos?
Whoever pressed the trigger
Blood will stain his heart
In wars for justice
Children also die.
Yehuda Poliker
[tags] yom hazikaron, memorial, day, israel[/tags]