Israel Commemorations


Over the course of the week leading up to Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut, a series of assemblies were held for almost every Year Group across the School in order to inform them of the significance of the day and to prepare them for the various events that would be taking place. The assemblies also described what happens in Israel to mark these important dates, and the transition from the sombre Yom Hazikaron to the festive Yom Ha’atzmaut.


On Yom Hazikaron itself, Years 9, 10 and 11 participated in a special Tekes (Ceremony) to memorialise the soldiers who lost their lives in Israel’s various wars, as well as victims of terrorism.


Ten candles were lit, each one in memory of those who died in one of Israel’s wars, from the times of the Yishuv until the present day. The last candle was lit for all those who have died over the years in terror attacks. After all ten candles had been lit, the students were privileged to hear a personal story from a guest speaker who had served in the IDF. The Ceremony ended with the recitation of the Yizkor prayer, followed by a rendition of Israel’s National Anthem, ‘Ha’tikvah’. Overall, it was a moving and fitting way to commemorate this important day.


In addition to the Ceremonies, JFS created a special ‘Memory Room’, which was open to students and staff


during break time and lunch time on the day. The room featured a special display of photos, videos, stories and profiles of soldiers and civilians who were killed in battle or as a result of terrorism. The display was very moving, and many students who visited the room commented on how effective it was.


At the entrance, there was a letter for students to sign to demonstrate their solidarity with the people of Israel in grieving for those who were lost. The letter, which contained hundreds of signatures by the end of the day, will be sent to ‘One Family’ in Israel, so that the families of soldiers who lost their lives can draw comfort from the fact that students in the UK were mourning together with them.


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