Yom HaZikaron, or Israel’s Memorial Day, which honors the soldiers and others who have died defending the State of Israel, begins at sunset on Sunday, May 12. The next evening marks the start of Yom HaAtzmaut, Israel’s Independence Day.
Local events observing these two holidays include survivor testimonies, candlelighting ceremonies, musical performances and community art projects. For more events, check out the community calendar on pages 26-27.
Thursday, May 9
Yom Yisrael — Israel Independence Day party with dancing, community sing-along, children’s show, kosher kebabs, falafel, snow cones, cotton candy, community art project, craft tables, sandless beach hang-out zone, Hebrew book giveaway, Hostage Square area and interactive “Wall of Hope.” At Shalom Field, PJCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 5-7:30 p.m. $20-$76. Proceeds will support evacuated kibbutz communities from southern Israel, as well as Bring Them Home: The Hostage and Missing Families Forum.
Sunday, May 12
Israeli Consulate Yom HaZikaron Memorial — Commemoration for Israel Memorial Day honoring all the soldiers and people who have died to defend the state. With memorial wall, ceremony and memorial singing. In Hebrew. Presented by Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest, Israeli American Council and Congregation Sherith Israel. At JCCSF, 3200 California St., S.F. 7-9:30 p.m.
Yom HaZikaron Ceremony — Israel Memorial Day ceremony for fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. Includes songs, readings, multimedia presentations and remarks from community leaders and local teens. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 8-9 p.m. Free.
Community Bike Ride and Run — Event with riding, running or walking in memory of Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism. For those 12 and older. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. $25, includes T-shirt, snack and bottled water.
Yom HaZikaron Installation — Israel Memorial Day commemoration remembering Oct. 7 hostages with multisensory installation featuring short clips, photography and video. Self-guided walk through. Presented by BishulimSF, Pomella, Jewish Community of Piedmont and Temple Beth Abraham. At Temple Beth Abraham, 327 MacArthur Blvd., Oakland. 6:30-9:30 p.m.
Monday, May 13
Sacramento Yom HaZikaron Memorial — Commemoration for Israel Memorial Day honoring all the soldiers and others who have died to defend the State of Israel. Presented by Jewish Federation of Sacramento. Livestream option. At Temple Or Rishon, 7755 Hazel Ave., Orangevale. 6 p.m. Free.
Israel 76: from Remembrance to Celebration — Community memorial ceremony focused on Oct. 7 and the ongoing war followed by outdoor learning experience through interactive stations and activities, live music and a BBQ dinner. Presented by Addison-Penzak JCC. At APJCC, 14855 Oka Road, Los Gatos. 4:30- 7:30 p.m. $36 family, $18 single.
Yom HaZikaron Installation — Israel Memorial Day commemoration remembering Oct. 7 hostages with multisensory installation featuring short clips, photography and video. Presented by BishulimSF, Pomella, Jewish Community of Piedmont and Temple Beth Abraham. At Pomella, 3770 Piedmont Ave., Unit B, Oakland. 11 a.m.-evening.
Tuesday, May 14
Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration — Israel Independence Day party with music, food, activities and more. Presented by Jewish Federation of Sacramento. At Mosaic Law Congregation, 2300 Sierra Blvd., Sacramento. 6 p.m. $18, kids under 13 free.
Kosha Dillz Yom Ha’atzmaut Concert — Jewish rapper Kosha Dillz performs Israel Independence Day concert with director of “American History X” Tony Kaye, producer and DJ Erez Safar and Israeli artist Or Sella (Orion Stone). Presented by Value Culture, Malka Productions and the Israel Policy Forum. At Music City San Francisco, 1353 Bush St., S.F. 6:30-11 p.m. $18-$75.
Israel 76—Israel Independence Day celebration with Israeli music, food, Middle East-focused trivia contest and more. At Congregation Ner Tamid, 1250 Quintara St., S.F. 6-9 p.m. $10, RSVP by May 13.
Wednesday, May 15
Yom HaZikaron Installation — Israel Memorial Day commemoration remembering Oct. 7 hostages with multisensory installation featuring short clips, photography and video. With concert by Israeli musician Orion Stone, whose family members were murdered and kidnapped Oct. 7. Presented by BishulimSF, Pomella, Jewish Community of Piedmont and Temple Beth Abraham. At Piedmont Center for the Arts, 801 Magnolia Ave., Piedmont. 7-9.30 p.m.
Sunday, May 19
Blue and White Party — Jewish Baby Network and PJCC present Israel Independence Day party for families with children 5 and under with songs, crafts, puppets, playtime and special snacks. At PJCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Free.
South Bay Yom Ha’atzmaut — Israel Independence Day celebration with children’s arts and crafts, games, poster and stamp exhibit, Israeli music, food, story time, bounce house, beer garden and more. At Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m. $25 family, $10 single, free for 2 and under.
Contra Costa Yom Ha’atzmaut Celebration — Community Israel Independence Day celebration with food, music, Israel-themed activities for kids and more. Presented by Congregation B’nai Shalom, Contra Costa JCC and Shevet Egoz. At Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 12:30-2:30 p.m. $5 suggested minimum donation, proceeds benefit Kibbutz Kfar Aza.