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Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom Hashoah are deeply interconnected days in Israel's collective memory.

Together, they underscore the significance of remembrance, resilience, and the continual pursuit of strong and flourishing Jewish communities, both in Israel and the Diaspora.

The United Jewish Federation of Tidewater invites you to participate with us for our commemorations of these significant occasions, and to learn more about them.

Yom HaShoah is Israel's day of commemoration for the approximately six million Jews murdered in the Holocaust by Nazi Germany and its collaborators, and for the Jewish resistance in that period.

  • Unpacked for Educators shares this 15 minute film, “Jewish Resistance and the Holocaust,” with accompanying activities, discussion questions, and a lesson plan.
  • Listen to the Stars Among Us Podcast, which offers an immersive and intimate journey into the lives of Holocaust survivors and liberators.
  • Browse the collection of Holocaust-related research and records at the National Archives.
  • Yad Vashem, The World Holocaust Remembrance Center offers a variety of videos, digital collections, and other resources, including a virtual tour of the exhibition "Shoah" at the Auschwitz-Bikenau State Museum.
  • Rabbi Sacks shares a powerful idea addressing the fundamental question of how humanity could have allowed the Holocaust to happen in this 3-minute video Faith After the Holocaust.

Yom Ha'Zikaron is Israel's day of Memory for the fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks. 

Songs that carry the message of Yom HaZikaron 

סאבלימינל והצל - עם הנצחYom Ha'Atzmaut is Israel's Independence Day. This year, Israel is recognizing her 76th birthday! Held on the fifth day of the Hebrew calendar month of Iyar, Yom Ha’atzmaut is a modern holiday celebrating Israel’s independence in 1948.

 

Typically, in other countries, Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and Independence Day occur on two separate days of the year. So why is it that, in Israel, Independence Day begins the moment that Memorial Day ends?
“The State of Israel wouldn’t be able to celebrate its existence if it weren’t for those who gave their lives for it,” the IDF explains. “We wouldn’t be able to have one of those days without the other one. We honor their memory and everything they fought for, so that today, we can celebrate our independence.”

Resources for Families 

A Piece of History 

Songs that carry the message of Yom Ha'Atzmaut

Yom Ha'Atzmaut, Yom HaZikaron, and Yom Hashoah Events