Holocaust Memorial Day (Yom HaShoah) in Israel

B"H

Every year at the same date, Israel remembers those 6 Mio Jews who died in the Holocaust. As this time the date falls on Shabbat, the national Holocaust Memorial Day "Yom HaShoah" already starts tonight. The central memorial event is going to take place at the "Yad VaShem" in Jerusalem at about 8pm tonight

Israelis consider the Yom HaShoah as extremely important although every year anew, the same discussions seem to come up. By the way, we will face the same situation in the coming week when we remember the fallen soldiers and, a day later, celebrate our 60th Independence Day.

Holocaust Memorial Day in Israel is always depressing. Many Holocaust survivors tell their private stories on the radio and the daily papers are full as well. Usually I walk around on such a day with a nervous feeling in the stomach. On Thursday morning, we all stand attention to a siren sound lasting for two minutes. Even the traffic and buses stop and people stand still. Usually everybody does so except for Arabs and many Haredim.
Arabs ? Okay, or has anyone expected a different kind of behaviour ?

But Jews who ignore the siren sound and don't stand still ? How can that be ? Do the Haredim ignore the victims and don't show any respect ? The secular Israeli press loves this subject.

However, one has to understand or at least be aware of the reasons why Haredim act in such a way. And I have to emphasize that not all Haredim react in such a manner but only a few. Let's say mostly "Mea Shearim".
Why do they do this ?

Certain Haredim do not accept the stipulated date of the Holocaust Memorial Day. Stipulated by a secular Zionist government. Instead religious Jews have their own way of remembering the Holocaust victims. By choosing the Asarah Be'Tevet – The Tenth of the Jewish month of Tevet (approx. in Dec. or Jan.). Furthermore they also have their own particular way to mourn and don't feel the need for listening to a siren.

In order to bring everyone together, there have been discussions going on if we should move the present Memorial date to Tisha Be'Av. There are many pros and cons and nothing has been decided so far.

For tourists in Israel:
Life goes on as usual but tonight (Wednesday) all discos, amusement parks, cinemas, theatres or Internet Cafes close in the early evening hours. Tomorrow (Thursday) everything will be open as usual.