Friend --
Next Monday, Israel’s Yom HaZikaron siren will sound, marking a nationwide moment of silence to commemorate those lost to conflict and terror throughout Israel’s history. It is a truly powerful moment of unity.
Each year, a number of organizations host joint Israeli-Palestinian services, a moving recognition that pain, loss and grief is felt by families on both sides of the conflict. This year, J Street will be cosponsoring the Israeli-Palestinian memorial service hosted by Combatants for Peace and The Parents Circle-Families Forum -- and I’d like to invite you to join us online.
Israeli-Palestinian Memorial Ceremony
Monday, April 27 | 1:30pm Eastern
REGISTER HERE
When this ceremony began in 2005, it was attended by just a few dozen people. Today, it is the second largest memorial gathering in Israel, usually attended by thousands. In the interests of public health, this year’s memorial will be a little different, with the ceremony hosted virtually and live-streamed from Tel Aviv and Ramallah.
By acknowledging the pain shared by those living on both sides of the Israeli-Palestinian divide, we can resolve to choose a new path of peace, justice, security and dignity for all. In a time of anxiety and separation, this year’s ceremony will focus on solidarity, hope and our shared work toward a more peaceful future.
With Israelis and Palestinians facing the same shared threat right now from the COVID-19 pandemic, the memorial’s message of solidarity and common humanity is more important and timely than ever.
I hope you can join us.
Wishing you safety and good health,
Shaina Wasserman
National Director of Rabbinic and Community Engagement
Also Next Week:
Later on in the week, we’ll turn from mournful commemoration of Yom HaZikaron to celebration of Yom HaAtzma’ut, Israel’s Independence Day. We hope you can join us as well for other events we’re co-sponsoring to celebrate Israel’s 72nd birthday and honor the transition between these two important and emotionally resonant holidays.
At 5pm ET on Tuesday, April 28, J Street, New Israel Fund and T’ruah will cosponsor an online arts evening, reflecting on the transition between Yom HaZikaron and Yom HaAtzma’ut. Panelists will share some of their favorite art and poetry by Israelis and Palestinians. Click here to register.
At 2pm ET on Wednesday, April 29, J Street is cosponsoring a “Worldwide Celebration of Israel’s Independence Day," hosted by the Jewish Federations of North America. The festivities will include appearances by Matisyahu, Broadway star Ben Platt, Jewish Agency chairperson Isaac Herzog and many others. Click here to register.
