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Israel held its official state Memorial Day ceremony on Wednesday morning at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, honoring the nation's fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism.
The ceremony commenced at 11 a.m. local time with a two-minute nationwide siren, bringing the country to a standstill in remembrance. Ynetnews broadcast the ceremony live.
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(Netanyahu in Memorial Day ceremony )
The event, a central part of Memorial Day commemorations, was attended by President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Supreme Court Chief Justice Yitzhak Amit, Defense Minister Israel Katz and senior military and security officials.
Following the siren, the Air Force conducted a missing man formation flyover above the military cemetery at Mount Herzl.
Speaking at the ceremony, Prime Minister Netanyahu praised Israel's fallen heroes in defending their home since the October 7 attack and throughout the war.
"This generation understands all too well what is at stake. Our sons and daughters are determined to hold the perpetrators of the massacre and atrocities to account—and even at this very moment, are doing everything possible to bring our hostages home," he said.
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"This is the light of victory that will shine from the battlefield—the light of sacrifice and spirit. The light of victory carried by the fallen heroes of Israel who gave their lives for our people. Their memory will forever be engraved in our hearts.
“As one bereaved family so poignantly put it: the phrase ‘grief-stricken’ is no mere figure of speech—we feel it in every cell of our bodies. So too did King David say, three thousand years ago."
Meanwhile, protests erupted at several Memorial Day ceremonies across the country, as bereaved families and attendees voiced anger over the government’s handling of the war and the fate of hostages held in Gaza.
At military cemeteries in Tel Aviv, Ramla, Holon and Rosh Ha’ayin, ministers’ speeches were interrupted by chants and signs demanding action, particularly the return of 59 hostages. Clashes broke out between grieving families, and some mourners walked out during speeches.
Housing Minister Yitzhak Goldknopf canceled his appearance in Kiryat Gat due to planned protests and instead visited the Western Wall. Police and stewards had been stationed at cemeteries in anticipation of tensions.
At 1 p.m., a state ceremony in memory of terror victims in Israel and abroad will also take place at Mount Herzl.
Since last Memorial Day, 319 soldiers have fallen in battle, bringing the total number of deaths to 25,420 since 1860.
The day's events will conclude with the traditional torch-lighting ceremony at 7:45 p.m. at Mount Herzl, marking the transition from Memorial Day to Israel's 77th Independence Day. Ynetnews will also broadcast this ceremony live with an English voiceover.