Israel mourns its fallen in battle and victims of terror

Israel inaugurated its 65th anniversary events with a day of mourning and remembrance for the 23,085 men and women fallen in enemy action and terrorist attacks from the year 1860 up until the present. Tuesday, more than a million and a half mourners attended ceremonies at 17 military cemeteries up and down the country. Two minutes’ silence were observed at 11 am.

In the past year, 37 soldiers and 12 police and security forces personnel lost their lives in action. Another 43 soldiers who were disabled in past combat died of their wounds.

Monday night at 8 pm, a torch was lit at the Western Wall at a military ceremony attended by the president, prime minister and chief of staff. A siren marked a minute’s silence in all parts of the country. 

Celebrations of the state's 65th anniversary begin Monday night. Tuesday is a national holiday.