Marking Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut
"We celebrate the miracle that is Israel, and the miracles it performs every day."
Next week, as the Victorian Jewish community gathers to mark Yom Hazikaron, the number of victims mourned will have increased by more than 400 since last year – over 360 serving in the IDF and more than 40 in acts of terror.
With October 7 still casting a pall over Jews worldwide and dozens of hostages still in captivity, the annual commemoration hosted by Zionism Victoria will be particularly poignant.
Members of our own community who have lost loved ones since the establishment of the State of Israel will take centrestage, lighting candles in honour of their relatives or friends, and sharing their stories.
A particular emphasis of this year’s ceremony will be on the legacy of the victims, how they and their spirit live on, for example through charitable endeavours or sporting events named in their honour.
Two days later, the mood will become a little more festive as thousands of us gather to celebrate Yom Ha’atzmaut.
Zionism Victoria’s annual community festival will feature an incredible line-up of live musicians, top DJs, wonderful rides and arcade games, fantastic food trucks, community stalls and, for the first year ever, a shuk with all manner of arts, crafts, jewellery and Judaica on sale.
Zionism Victoria executive director Zeddy Lawrence said, “While October 7 and the hostages are still very much in our hearts and minds, and while the scourge of antisemitism continues to take a toll, this is a chance for us to stand tall as Jews, declaring we will not be intimidated and we are proud of Israel and its incredible contributions to humanity.
“We celebrate the miracle that is Israel, and the miracles it performs every day.”
Yom Hazikaron is at 7pm on Tuesday, April 29. Enquiries: events.humanitix.com/yom-hazikaron-2025
Yom Ha’atzmaut is from 4pm on Thursday, May 1. Enquiries: events.humanitix.com/yom-ha-atzmaut-77
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