May 8th marks Yom Hazikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, commemorating all the fallen soldiers who lost their lives in the battles that led to the establishment of the State of Israel and those who lost their lives while serving in the Israel Defense Forces over the years. Yom Hazikaron is with very different than American Memorial Day. For 24 hours, all places of public entertainment (theaters, pubs, nightclubs, etc.) are closed. The most noticeable feature of the day is the sound of a siren that is heard throughout the country twice, during which the entire nation observes a two minute standstill of all traffic and daily activity. It is extremely moving to witness.
This year, you can honor Yom Hazikaron and those who have fallen by choosing The Lone Soldier Center as your charity when you plant a grapevine with Wine on the Vine. The Lone Soldier Center is an incredible organization that supports and nurtures the brave men and women who have left their home to enlist in the Israeli army, on a completely voluntary basis. These “lone soldiers” make up a great portion of the Israel Defense Forces and deserve to be cared for during their time in service, without family nearby. The Lone Solider Center provides solutions for soldier’s basic needs, helps find housing, and provides individual guidance to each solider.
The day after Yom Hazikaron is Yom Ha’atzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day. Yom Ha’atzmaut always follows Yom Hazikaron. Linking these two days sends a clear message that Israelis independence and the existence of Israel is all due to the soldiers who sacrificed their lives for it.
Many Americans choose to take part in Yom Ha’atzmaut by buying Israeli products or donating to charities. Planting grapevines through Wine on the Vine not only helps grow and support Israel’s booming wine industry, it also offers the opportunity to select an Israeli charity to receive most of the $18, which is the cost of one vine. Some of Wine on the Vine’s partner charities includes Save A Child’s Heart, Roots, Darca Schools, Leket Israel, and more.
Head to www.wineonthevine.org for more details!
