(Courtesy of Olami) Seventy years ago, in 1947, the historic U.N. Resolution 181 was passed, recognizing the State of Israel in the building that is now the Queens Museum. As we prepare to joyously celebrate the establishment of the Jewish state on Yom Ha’atzmaut, we must also commemorate the fallen soldiers and service-people who died fighting for Israel.
On Yom Hazikaron, the day designated to remember Israel’s fallen soldiers, there was a commemoration of these fallen soldiers that included the world film premiere of the short film “Every Day a Memory” at the Queens Museum to remember the 23,632 servicemen and women who died defending and protecting the State of Israel. The commemoration took place on Yom Hazikaron, which begins on the evening of April 17. So far, almost 35,000 positive actions have been pledged to honor Israel’s fallen on www.honorisraelsfallen.com.
The event was an evening of remembrance and consisted of five stops. The first stop was a panorama for a soldier memorial experience. The aesthetic was a darkened room with soldiers’ stories projected on a screen, with voices reading their stories aloud as attendees walked on the pathway around the room, atop a 3D map of NYC with different sections lit up, signifying memorial candles. The second stop was a 10-minute video of the 1947 U.N. vote for Israel. The third stop was hor d’oeuvres on the upper gallery and unisphere gallery, as student video testimonials played. In the fourth stop, located in the sunken living room, attendees were encouraged to light a candle to honor a fallen soldier, and then watched the short film “Every Day a Memory,” a meaningful compilation of interviews from people whose loved ones became fallen heroes. Afterward, the fifth stop was dessert.
“Honor Israel’s Fallen campaign has been immensely powerful for all involved,” said David Markowitz, COO of Olami. “For Jews outside of Israel, to learn about Israel’s fallen soldiers, their lives and the families they left behind has strengthened their bond to Israel and its people. And for the parents, the brothers and sisters, grandchildren and friends of the fallen, they feel loved and appreciated and know that their sacrifice and heartache is shared by all of us.”
Olami, in partnership with The Afikim Foundation and Israel’s Ministry of the Diaspora, initiated Yizkereim: Honor Israel’s Fallen as a meaningful project to pay tribute to every hero and keep their memories alive through honoring them through good deeds. This event was The Afikim Foundation, Israel’s Ministry of the Diaspora, Olami, and Yizkereim: Honor Israel’s Fallen’s culminating global Yom Hazikaron commemoration, but the website www.honorisraelsfallen.com will be up and live throughout the year.
