At sundown on Sunday, May 12th, marks the beginning of Yom HaZikaron (Israel’s Memorial Day), followed by Yom Ha’Atzmaut (Israel’s Independence Day) at sundown on Monday, May 13th. Together, we move from remembrance to joy, joining our Israeli brothers and sisters and Jews throughout the world in honoring Israel’s fallen soldiers and those who have lost their lives to terrorism, as well as celebrating Israel’s milestone 76th year of independence.
While we remain heartbroken following the horrific attack on October 7th and the ongoing war, this year’s Yom HaZikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut resonate with profound emotion and significance, and remind us of the enduring resilience of the Israeli and Jewish spirit.
Below you will find a series of reflections from some of our community Shlichim highlighting the grief and hope of this moment, as well as events and resources to commemorate Yom HaZikaron and celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Each year, through a program of The Jewish Agency for Israel and generous funding from The Jewish Federation, Federation’s Community Shlichim Program brings Shlichim (Israeli emissaries) to Greater Washington to deepen our connection to Israel and Israelis. (Learn more and get to know the Shlichim.)
About Peoplehood and Resilience
By Abraham Belilty, Federation Shaliach to Shaare Torah
When You Don’t Know What to Do
By Avi Eisen, Federation Shaliach to Beth Sholom Congregation
On Yom Hazikaron
By Avia Halevi, Federation’s Educational Engagement Shlicha
The Day I Started Wearing My Magen David
By Dean Bagdadi, Federation Shaliach to Pozez JCC of Northern VA
Mi’Shoah Le’Tkuma: From the Dark Days of the Holocaust We Are Reborn
By Snir Holtzman, Federation Shaliach to Temple Emanuel
JxJ Jewish Film and Music Festival
Presented by Federation partner, Edlavich DCJCC, the JxJ Film and Music Festival explores a diverse slate of in-person screenings, concerts, and artist talks at locations across Greater Washington. Use the promo code FEDERATION for $3 off the price of admission for any of the 16 Israeli films, Israeli student film shorts, or Israeli contemporary dramatic film shorts.
Browse the lineup of Israel programming
Sunday, April 6, 2025 | 10:00 am - 2:00 pm