Arianne Ménage // Credits: MENAHEM KAHANA / AFP
While the Israeli army continues its preparations for ground intervention on Rafah, Israeli citizens begin “Remembrance Day” this Monday. A day dedicated to the commemoration of killed soldiers, combat and victims of terrorism which is taking place this year in a very particular context.
The IDF continues its preparations for ground intervention on Rafah. A decision which would cause “chaos and anarchy”, believes the American Secretary of State, Anthony Blinken, who reiterated the United States’ opposition to such an operation. At the same time, the Jewish State began, on Sunday, the commemorations of “Remembrance Day”, a tribute to the soldiers killed in combat and the victims of the terrorist. Two days which take on particular significance in a country today turned towards war.
The Israelis all mobilized to the sound of a siren for a minute. It resounded this Sunday evening throughout the country and this will still be the case today. At the end of the morning, throughout the day, commemoration ceremonies are organized in schools by town halls and in military cemeteries. On “Remembrance Day”, Israelis have the habit of visiting the graves of their deceased loved ones.
A divided Israeli society
These commemorations also sometimes reveal tensions, even fractures, in Israeli society. This year, bereaved families, for example, demanded that far-right government figures avoid participating in ceremonies. Finally, this Monday evening, at nightfall, after a day of mourning, Israelis will mark the anniversary of independence with this year, of course, extremely reduced celebrations.