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Israel's Memorial Days

By Tami Lancut Leibovitz

Twice a year, we - Israel’s citizens - are asked to fulfil our national and moral duty and pay our respects to all those who have sacrificed their lives for the Jewish people and the State of Israel. These days require us to put away our personal needs and wants - they are not “private days”, but instead we are obligated to come together as a nation to properly commemorate our deceased soldiers and holocaust victims. Every public institution is required to hold a ceremony, all entertainment venues close their doors, and every Israeli citizen is asked to act accordingly.

During these two days, a single siren is heard during which every person stops what they’re doing and stands silently until it is over - even highway traffic comes to a halt as people step out of their vehicles and pay their respects.

It is extremely important to act properly during these events, and as such, it would be wise to take into account the following guidelines:

• When attending remembrance ceremonies, turn off your cellphone. No, lowering the volume or setting it to vibrate is not enough - for two reasons. One, even when on vibrate, when we see a call from someone close the temptation to respond is too great, and in doing so we are dishonoring and even insulting those around us. Second, electrical interference between our cellphones and the electrical equipment used in these ceremonies may occur, thus disrupting the ceremony. Thus, if people’s lives aren’t dependent on you being available, respect yourself and those surrounding you and turn off your phone.

• It is ironic that while these events are extremely sad affairs, often we reconnect with people we haven’t seen in a while during one of the ceremonies. However, do not be embarrassed to express joy in seeing these people -  these feelings of togetherness and unity are a part of what makes Israeli culture so unique. That said, do respect the occasion, and refrain from overly enthusiastic exchanges - and definitely keep the silence while the ceremony takes place.

• While you must adhere to correct social etiquette rules while in public, you are free to do as you please in the privacy of your own home. However, you are asked to refrain from playing music or TV in loud volumes - pay extra respect your neighbors and the general public during these two days.

• The harsh reality of living in Israel means that every adult person knows at least one family who has lost a loved one, whether it be a soldier or a victim to terrorist action. This reality demands us to respect the memory of those who have fallen and their families.

Respecting the customs of these memorial days and adhering to a proper social etiquette is the basis of a strong, unified society.