As Israel prepares to commemorate Memorial Day on Tuesday evening, the government has adjusted the lineup of ministers participating in ceremonies across the country. This decision follows objections from bereaved families concerned about the politicization of the solemn events.
National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, known for his controversial appearances at past memorials, has been removed from the Defense Ministry’s list of official participants. Although his spokesperson confirmed he would attend the central police ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, his absence from other events reflects efforts to avoid confrontations. In previous years, Ben Gvir’s presence at ceremonies led to protests and disruptions, with families expressing anger over his attendance despite his lack of military service.
Justice Minister Yariv Levin, associated with the contentious 2023 judicial overhaul, was initially scheduled to attend a ceremony in Nahariya but has been reassigned to the Etzion settlement bloc in the West Bank. This change comes after bereaved families in Nahariya objected to his presence. Similarly, Deputy Transportation Minister Uri Maklev declined to attend the Gush Etzion ceremony, citing concerns about hostility toward ultra-Orthodox individuals in the predominantly religious Zionist area.
In response to criticism over the absence of government ministers at the national ceremony for fallen Druze soldiers, Education Minister Yoav Kisch will now represent the government in the Druze town of Usfiya, replacing Likud MK Etti Atia. This adjustment follows public outcry from Rafik Halabi, mayor of the nearby Druze town Daliyat al-Karmel, who highlighted the community’s sacrifices in recent conflicts.
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Defense Minister Israel Katz will not attend cemetery ceremonies due to a Jewish custom prohibiting kohanim (descendants of the priestly class) from being in the presence of the dead. Instead, he will deliver remarks at the Hall of Remembrance on Mount Herzl.
Memorial Day, known as Yom HaZikaron, is one of Israel’s most solemn occasions, honoring soldiers, security personnel, and victims of terrorism. Ceremonies are held nationwide, with government representatives traditionally participating. However, in recent years, tensions have arisen over the involvement of certain politicians, leading to calls for more sensitive assignments. Eli Ben-Shem, chairman of the Yad Labanim organization for bereaved families, urged the government to coordinate with families and assign officials to ceremonies where their presence would not provoke controversy.
The day’s events will commence at 8 p.m. on Tuesday with a one-minute siren, followed by an official state ceremony at the Western Wall. On Wednesday, April 30, a two-minute siren will sound at 11 a.m., leading into the official state ceremony at Mount Herzl and additional memorials at military cemeteries across the country. Public transportation will operate on a modified schedule, with increased services to military cemeteries and discounts for bereaved families.
At 8 p.m. on Wednesday, Memorial Day will conclude, and Israel’s 77th Independence Day celebrations will begin with the traditional Torch-Lighting Ceremony at Mount Herzl. This year’s ceremony, themed “Bridges of Hope,” will honor individuals who have demonstrated resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
Among the torchbearers are:
- Elisha Medan, an IDF soldier who lost both legs in an explosion in Gaza, becoming a symbol of national unity through his rehabilitation journey.
- Emily Damari, a 28-year-old British-Israeli who was held hostage by Hamas for 471 days and has become a national symbol of survival and defiance.
- Eli Sharabi, who was freed after 491 days in Hamas captivity, only to learn that his wife, daughters, and brother were killed on October 7, 2023.
- Rachel Edri, who was held hostage by Hamas in her home in Ofakim on October 7, 2023, and became a symbol of resilience.
- Omri Casspi, the first Israeli to play in the NBA, recognized for his advocacy for Israel since his retirement.
- Ben Shapiro, a US-based conservative commentator known for his outspoken support of Israel.
- Natasha Hausdorff, legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel.
- Ben Carasso, an advocate for Israel and, at age 10, the youngest torchbearer in Israeli history.
- Dani Avdija, a current NBA player and Israeli national figure.
- Lt. Col. Faiz Fares, Druze IDF commander who led rescues on October 7.
- Lt. Col. (res.) Hagit Alon Ahrar, whose son was killed in a Hezbollah drone strike and who remains active in the IDF reserves.
- DJ Artifex (Yarin Binyaminov), survivor of the Nova Festival massacre.
- Dr. Eli David, AI expert and key online voice for Israeli advocacy during the war.
- Inbar and Raz Ben Simon, a couple symbolizing the sacrifices of reservists and their families.
- Oren Smadja, Olympic medalist and father of a soldier killed in Gaza.
- Three anonymous Mossad agents who conducted a covert operation in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah’s communications infrastructure.
Transportation Minister Miri Regev, responsible for organizing the ceremony, stated that the torchbearers reflect the “best of Israeli society” and embody acts of courage, unity, and determination during a challenging year.