Yom Ha'atzma'ut is felt with particular intensity in Israel, as it is preceded, the day before, by Yom Hazikaron, Israel's Memorial Day. As with all Jewish observances, Yom Hazikaron begins at sundown. The commemoration is ushered in by a two-minute siren heard from every corner in the country. People stand at silent attention during the siren, even stopping their cars in the middle of the road, if necessary. The siren is again sounded for one minute the next morning at 11:00, and an official ceremony takes place at Har Herzl (Mount Herzl), Israel's primary military cemetery, as memorial services are held at the military cemeteries throughout the country.
At sundown, flags are again raised to their full height, and the mood changes as the country moves from memorializing loss to celebrating independence.
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Tefilah Lim'dinat Yisra'el /Prayer for the State of Israel | Prayer
From Kol Haneshamah – Shabbat Vehagim, siddur of the Reconstructionist Judaism Movement
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Prayer for the Peace of Israel | Prayer
From Ha-avodah She-balev, siddur of the Israel Movement for Progressive Judaism
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Day Twenty of the Omer | Ritual Component
By Rabbi Jill Hammer
From "An Omer Counter of Biblical Women" – for all who help the Jewish people
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