YOM HA'ZIKARON, or Israel Memorial Day, is also known as YOM HA'ATZMAUT, or Israel Independence Day.

As the State of Israel marks its 60th birthday on the 5th of Iyar, the world holds its breath – waiting and wondering if peace will ever come to the Middle East.  Israel's independence, as well as its continued survival, is a modern day miracle, but it has come with a great cost in human lives. Therefore, before it celebrates its independence, Israel honors the memory of those who gave life and limb for their country. On the 4th of Iyar, Yom Ha'Zikaron, Memorial Day is observed. It is not a day of picnics, fairs and fireworks. To honor the fallen soldiers of the State, an alarm is sounded simultaneously throughout the country for one minute, once in the morning and once in the afternoon. As the siren pierces the air, all traffic comes to a halt as everyone stands for a moment of silence.