Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut

Yom Ha’Atzmaut, Independence Day, is the national day of Israel, commemorating the Israeli Declaration of Independence in 1948. The day is marked by official and unofficial ceremonies and observances.

Because Israel declared independence on 14 May 1948, which corresponded with the Hebrew date 5 Iyar in that year, Yom Ha’Atzmaut was originally celebrated on that date. However, to avoid Sabbath desecration, it may be commemorated one or two days before or after the 5th of Iyar if it falls too close to the Jewish Sabbath.

Yom Hazikaron, the Israeli Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism Remembrance Day is always scheduled for the day preceding Yom Ha’Atzmaut.

Yom Hazikaron & Yom HaAtzmaut 2024
Tuesday 14 May, 18:30-21:30

We will commemorate Yom HaZikaron, the day to remember Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism with a Tekes (ceremony) of remembrance. We will then celebrate Yom HaAtzmaut – Israel’s 76th Independence Day, with a special Stonegrove Serenade welcoming Yoav Oved who will lead musicians in a concert celebrating the diversity of Israel, or you can join a conversation on Israel & Zionism with Hannah Weissfeld director of Yachad, ending with an Israeli Dancing and refreshments.

ORDER OF THE EVENING
18:30-19:30
Café 118 open for supper serving falafel, pitta & salads and limonana as well as our usual jacket potato options
19:30-20:00
Tekes (Ceremony) with Rabbi Mark and Yoav Oved. This will also be available on the Livestream Classic Channel.
20:00-21:00
Stonegrove Serenade – We are delighted to welcome Yoav Oved and guitarist Eyal Pik, who will lead musicians in a special concert celebrating the diversity of Israel. Yoav, is Co-Cantorial lead at New London Synagogue, and Cantorial Singer at Westminster Synagogue. He works to educate through song and dance, on Israeli and Jewish ethnic music. Come and sample a taste of Israeli culture through multicultural music and listen to the stories of the country and songs. We will hear Israeli pop, rock and ballads, as well as Yemenite folk music and a few other surprises.
OR
Israel & Zionism Conversation – We will be joined by Hannah Weissfeld, director of Yachad, who will be in conversation with Rabbi Debbie on Israel and Zionism. Yachad is a British Jewish organisation whose primary mission is to empower British Jews to support a political resolution to the Israeli Palestinian conflict. The community are warmly invited to join us in person or on Zoom.
21:00-21:30
Israeli Dancing & refreshments