Yom HaZikaron – Israel’s Memorial Day – is upon us once again, and as usual, it is a gut-wrenching experience.
In o small, young country that exists entirely due to the many sacrifices of its soldiers, Memorial Day is very personal and very painful. Everyone knows someone who fell in battle or was a victim of terror. This day, the country strives to keep their memories alive, and help us all share in the pain of their loss.
Ever since the arrival of YouTube, however, it’s easier than ever for those outside of Israel to share in the pain of Yom HaZikaron. Each year, new videos emerge that help those around the world understand what so many Israelis are experiencing today.
2021 is no exception. Here are the videos we’re watching this week to help bring more meaning to Memorial Day in and out of Israel.
“We’ll Meet In Our Dreams”
Each year, the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization teams up with a prominent Israeli singer to shine a spotlight on the children who lost parents in the IDF. This year, they’ve joined forces with Elai Botner and Yaldei HaChutz to recreate their song “Nipagesh BaChalomot” (We Will Meet In Our Dreams). The song originally came out in April 2020 to capture the isolation and loneliness of the pandemic. Now, however, the songs lyrics take on an entirely new meaning. To watch these young kids sing of their loneliness is simply heartbreaking. Be sure to watch this before Yom HaZikaron ends. Then, take some time to view the other gut-wrenching videos they’ve created as well.
In memory of Staff Sergeant Daniel Pomerantz
Speaking of gut-wrenching, it doesn’t get much more painful than this new song from Eden Hason and Yasmin Moalem. Staff Sergeant Daniel Pomerantz lost his life in 2014 during Operation Protective Edge, but wrote a letter to his parents to be read in case the worst occurred. The imagery of the video, as well as the text of Daniel’s letter to his family, are difficult to watch – but undoubtedly help us understand the pain of Yom HaZikaron. Even if you don’t understand the Hebrew, you’ll certainly be moved by this song and video.
Shimon Buskila Mourns Aviv Levi
In 2018, Staff Sgt. Aviv Levi was killed by sniper fire along the Gaza border. The Times of Israel reported at that time: “Levi, a 21-year-old from Petah Tikva, was an infantry soldier in the Givati Brigade. Levi was the first IDF fatality on the Gaza front since Operation Protective Edge in 2014.” Shimon Buskila’s musical tribute is part of a new compilation by Yediot Achronot called “Yetzirat Chayai” (Creation of My Life). It also features new songs by Esther Rada and Alon Olearchik.
Child, Watch Over The World
While not specifically dealing with Yom HaZikaron, it’s no coincidence that this refresh came out right before Memorial Day. In 1993, David D’or released the original version of this song, and it’s been a popular selection for Yom HaZikaron ever since. This year, D’or is teaming up with Instagram celebrity Anna Zak to put a new spin on the classic. The song begs the next generation to succeed where their ancestors have failed: “Watch over the world, child, because we’re not able to do it ourselves.”
“A Face. The Day. A Memory.”
Beit Avi Chai brings us “an artistic commemorative initiative which transforms memories from the lives of fallen IDF soldiers and those who lost their lives in terrorist attacks into animation films.” All videos include English subtitles. Thanks to our friends at Bagels.tv, you can watch all of these powerful short films on one page.
Observe Yom HaZikaron like an Israeli
This year’s ceremony at the Knesset includes dramatic interviews, moving testimony, and powerful songs by artists such as Itai Levy, Anya Bukstein, Sarit Hadad, Hanan Ben Ari, and many more. It’s the next best thing to being in Israel.
How do you connect to Israel on Yom HaZikaron?
As we remember the 23,928 brave men and women who have fallen, we pray that their memories always serve as a source of strength and inspiration to those who knew and loved them. What powerful videos and resources have you found to help you internalize the meaning of this day? Be sure to let us know in the comments.