JERUSALEM — Israel came to a standstill Sunday as air raid sirens sounded across the country for one minute after nightfall to mark the beginning of its annual memorial day for fallen soldiers and victims of attacks.
Speaking at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem before relatives of fallen soldiers, Israeli President Shimon Peres said the recent calls for democratization in the Arab world offered hope for the future, but Israel would remain vigilant.
"We did not look for wars. They were forced upon us. But when we were attacked, we did not have the right to lose a single time. And when we won we returned to seeking peace," he said. "Today, I suggest to those who seek war not to make the same mistake again. Do not disrespect our ability ... we are prepared to physically defend out land and morally defend our heritage."
Memorial Day is one of the most somber and emotional days on the Israeli calendar. Nearly every Israeli family has been touched during decades of conflict, either losing a relative or knowing someone else who has had a loved one die in battle.
Ahead of Memorial Day, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the grave of his older brother, Yoni, an army commando who was killed in a famed 1976 hostage rescue in Uganda.
"Every bereaved family cherishes the memory of its loved ones all year long," Netanyahu said at the graveside. "On Memorial Day the entire nation unites in a moment of sorrow and gratitude for those who gave their lives for the state of Israel."
At an alternative Memorial Day ceremony in Tel Aviv, the brother of a Jewish settler who was killed along with his wife and three children appealed for peace. Moti Fogel joined Palestinian peace activists for the event. He said, "the use of the memory of the dead to justify war and the killing of others is no worse that than the use of their memory to promote peace."
Five members of the Fogel family were stabbed at their West Bank settlement March 11. Israeli security forces arrested two young residents of a nearby Palestinian village in connection with the attack.
During its six decades, Israel has fought a half dozen wars against neighboring nations and battled two Palestinian uprisings.
According to Israeli government statistics, 22,867 soldiers and civilians have been killed since 1860, the date cited as the beginning of modern Jewish immigration.
The Defense Ministry said 183 Israelis have been added to the list over the past year. The figure includes soldiers killed in training and traffic accidents.
Places of entertainment were closed Sunday evening. The Israeli flag flew at half-staff and Israeli radio and TV stations aired documentaries about Israel's wars and stories of fallen soldiers.
On Monday morning, a second siren will sound across the country signaling two minutes of silence, followed by the beginning of state ceremonies at the military cemeteries.
The somber tone transforms suddenly into Independence Day celebrations after sundown Monday at a colorful ceremony in Jerusalem, capped with a fireworks display.
http://www.signonsandiego.com/news/2011/may/08/israel-remembers-fallen-soldiers-attack-victims/
Yom HaZikaron 5771 Israel Memorial Day
Yom HaZikaron 5771 Israel Memorial Day
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Peres at official Memorial Day service: Israel is as strong as ever.
Speaking at the official Memorial Day ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, the president says that Israel hasn't had the possibility to lose 'even one war.'
Speaking at a special Memorial Day ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem on Sunday, President Shimon Peres lamented Israel's history of war, saying today "Israel is as strong as ever."
"We didn't seek war. It was imposed upon us. But when we were attacked, we didn't have the possibility to loose even one war. And when we won, we returned to seek peace," the president said.
Israel's Memorial Day began at 8 P.M. on Sunday with a minute-long siren where people stood in silence.
The number of fallen soldiers stands at 22,867 with 183 more since last Memorial Day. Also commemorated are 2,443 civilian victims of terror, to which 13 names were added over the past year.
Peres also warned those "looking for war" to "not make the same mistake again."
"Do not overlook our hidden abilities," Peres said.
He made a special mention of Israel's Iron Dome missile defense system, which has been successful in shooting down several missiles and grad rockets fired from Gaza. "We were the first in the world" with the Iron Dome system, the President said.
Peres also spoke about kidnapped Israel Defense Forces soldier Gilad Shalit, saying "we will not rest and will not be silent until we see Gilad Shalit here, with us, healthy and whole."
The Defense Ministry will hold 44 ceremonies on Monday in military cemeteries and at the graves of soldiers throughout the country, with approximately 1.5 million people expected to attend. A memorial candle will be placed on each grave of a soldier, as well as flowers and a small Israeli flag.
http://www.haaretz.com/news/diplomacy-defense/peres-at-official-memorial-day-service-israel-is-as-strong-as-ever-1.360553?localLinksEnabled=false
Israel Fallen Soldiers Remembrance Day 5771 - 2011
Israel Fallen Soldiers Remembrance Day 5771 - 2011
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