Tag: Jewish mourning rituals
-
Grief and Celebration on Yom HaAtzma’ut: Israeli Mourning Traditions in a Time of War
What Yom HaAtzma’ut Feels Like
In early May, spring is in bloom across Israel. Hillsides are painted in red poppies and yellow wildflowers. The air carries warmth — perfect for outdoor gatherings — and streets fill with the smell of grilled meats and the hum of music.
Families head to parks, beaches, and nature trails with Israeli flags in hand. They barbecue, sing, laugh, and rest.
But beneath the celebration is a shared understanding: we are only here because others are not.
“Before we started the mangal,” says Orna, whose son fell in combat last year, “we lit a candle and set a plate for him. Then we played his favorite song. We smiled through tears. That’s how we carry him.”
Today’s Yom HaAtzma’ut: Grief in a Time of War
This year, Yom HaAtzma’ut arrives during a deeply painful time. The ongoing war and the presence of hostages have reshaped the emotional tone of the holiday.
- Some celebrations have been canceled or scaled back.
- Ceremonies include silence for the hostages and fallen soldiers.
- Families of the kidnapped often mourn and protest rather than celebrate.
Even for those not directly affected, the mood is heavier. Flags still wave, grills still light, but the songs are softer. Joy feels complicated — and that’s okay.
Mourning Practices Around Yom HaAtzma’ut
Because Yom HaAtzma’ut follows Yom HaZikaron, many families shift quickly from grief to celebration — a cultural and emotional pivot few outsiders can understand.
On Yom HaZikaron, candles are lit, cemeteries are visited, and national radio airs personal stories. The entire country stands still during the siren. Then, at sundown, Yom HaAtzma’ut begins.
At the national torch-lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl, thirteen citizens are chosen each year to light torches. In 2024, several were lit in honor of hostages and fallen first responders.
Many families continue their remembrance with a lit candle, a prayer, or a shared story before festivities begin.
What Can Friends and Supporters Do?
- 🕯️ Acknowledge both holidays
- 💬 Reach out with empathy
- 👂 Offer presence, not platitudes
- 🫶 Support verified causes like hostagesandmissingfamilies.org
Your presence and words, even from afar, can bring deep comfort.
A Word from Solviah to the Griever
To the one celebrating with a shadow over your heart —
To the one who lights a candle before you light a grill —
To the one who watches the fireworks through quiet tears —We see you. We honor you. You are not alone.
At Solviah, we believe grief is not something to “get over.” It’s something to carry with care. And this Yom HaAtzma’ut, we carry it with you.
Zikhronam livrakha
May their memory be a blessing.Glossary
- Yom HaAtzma’ut: Israeli Independence Day
- Yom HaZikaron: Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of terror
- Mangal: Traditional Israeli outdoor barbecue
- Hostages: Individuals kidnapped during war or terror attacks
- Diaspora: Jewish communities outside Israel
- Zikhronam livrakha: Hebrew for “May their memory be a blessing”
References
- Ben-Yehuda, N., & Mishali-Ram, M. (2006). The commemoration of Israeli soldiers in public rituals and sites. Memory Studies, 1(2), 123–136.
- Rosenblatt, P. C. (2017). Grief across cultures. In Stroebe, M., Schut, H., & van den Bout, J. (Eds.), Handbook of Bereavement Research and Practice (pp. 207–222). American Psychological Association.
- Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs. (n.d.). Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzma’ut: National Commemoration and Celebration. Retrieved from gov.il
- Goodman, Y. (2010). Military, memory, and the politics of mourning in Israel. Ethos, 38(4), 369–389.
Solviah 