Jewish organizations across the Bay Area are marking Yom HaZikaron, also called Israel’s Memorial Day, a somber commemoration of Israel’s fallen soldiers and those lost to terror attacks, followed immediately by Israel’s Independence Day, or Yom HaAtzmaut, which begins at sundown on April 21. All events listed are open to the public, some require prior registration.
Monday | April 20
Yom Hazikaron—Community commemoration honoring fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks. Presented by Temple Isaiah and Shevet Egoz. At Temple Isaiah, 945 Risa Road, Lafayette. 7 p.m. Free, registration required.
Yom Hazikaron Ceremony—Commemoration for Israel’s fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism followed by sing-along. Recommended for ages 12 and up. At Freidenrich Community Park, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 8 p.m. Free.
Yom HaZikaron—Commemorate Israel’s Memorial Day with music, readings, storytelling and moments of silence. Presented by the JCRC, Friends of the IDF, Israeli American Council and others. S.F. location provided with registration. 6:30-8 p.m. Free, registration required. Registration closes April 18.
Israeli-Palestinian Joint Memorial Day Service—Livestream broadcast from Israel of annual ceremony that brings Israelis and Palestinians together to mourn side by side. With testimony from Israeli and Palestinian families, music and messages of peace. Organized by Combatants for Peace and the Parents Circle-Families Forum, co-sponsored by New Israel Fund, J Street, and The Kitchen Shared Society Project. At JCC San Francisco, 3200 California St. 10:30 a.m.-noon. Free.
Wednesday | April 22
Yom Yisrael—Tel Aviv beach-themed festival celebrating Israel Independence Day with kids’ activities, inflatable obstacle course, crafts, beach games, sports competitions, popcorn and lemonade plus food for sale. Co-sponsored by Peninsula JCC, Beged Kefet, Wornick Jewish Day School, PJ Library and others. At JCC, 800 Foster City Blvd., Foster City. 4:30 p.m.
Saturday | April 25
“Habayta Havdalah”—Havdalah service and unveiling of a commemorative plaque for Oct. 7, 2023. Bring dog tags and yellow ribbons to be buried beneath the plaque. At Congregation B’nai Shalom, 74 Eckley Lane, Walnut Creek. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Donation-based.
Sunday | April 26
Israel in the Park—Celebrate Israel’s Independence Day with music, games and prizes, photo booth and family activities. Presented by Under One Tent and JCC of Contra Costa. At Tice Valley Park, 2023 Tice Valley Blvd., Walnut Creek. 1-3 p.m. Free, registration required.
ICC: Israel’s 78th Independence Day Community Gathering—Kids’ and teens’ activities, music and singing, storytelling, local artists’ market, networking for adults, experience for mothers and toddlers by LIBI, bounce house and more. Early bird ticket prices until April 19. At Freidenrich Community Park, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. $15-$45, children 2 and under free.
Friday | May 1
Israel’s 78th Independence Day Concert—Israeli composer Nurit Hirsh and singer Isaac Sutton celebrate Israel’s independence and share stories. Hosted by the Israeli Cultural Connection at the Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 8-10 p.m. $65-$75.