Jerusalem, 25 April, 2023 (TPS) — Israelis marked Memorial Day on Tuesday with a minute of silence and visits to military cemeteries amid amid pleas for national unity and the day passed without major disruptions.
Tension were high with Israeli society sharply divided over a controversial government initiative to overhaul the judicial system. A number of government ministers cancelled plans to participate in traditional services at the nation’s military cemeteries. And protest leaders said they would not block roads sor prevent bereaved families from visiting graves.
But tempers flared in several cemeteries. In the Druze village of Isfiya, Intelligence Minister Gila Gamliel was blocked by locals from entering the cemetery. Unable to give her speech, Gamliel returned later to quietly lay a wreath. In a Tel Aviv cemetery, Science and Technology Minister Ofir Akunis opted not to speak.
In Beersheva, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir spoke despite heavy criticism. Security was tight and the placement of barriers made a number of graves inaccessible.
Memorial Day honors deceased members of the IDF, Israel Police, Mossad, Israeli Prison Service and the Israel Security Agency (Shin Bet). This includes Jewish, Druze, Bedouin, Christian, and Muslim personnel. The day also honors civilians killed in terror attacks and other hostile acts.
Since last Memorial Day, 31 civilians and 59 soldiers have been killed, while another 86 veterans died of complications from injuries suffered during military service, according to figures released by the Defense Ministry and National Insurance Institute.
Overall, 24,213 people have died during service to the country since 1860, when Jews first began moving outside the walls of Jerusalem’s Old City. This includes members of various pre-state underground militias who fought the British.
The number of civilians killed stands at 4,255, including 740 children and teenagers 18-years-old or younger. The number also includes 120 Israelis killed abroad and 135 foreign citizens killed in terror attacks.
On Tuesday night, the country transitions from Memorial Day to the more joyous Independence Day with a torch-lighting ceremony and fireworks. This year, Israel is celebrating its 75th anniversary.