20th Century Holidays

Level:  Basic

A few minor holidays have been added to the calendar to commemorate various significant events of the 20th century relating to the Holocaust and the modern state of Israel.  All of these holidays occur in the period between Passover and Shavu'ot.  These holidays are not universally acknowledged, the dates are not entirely agreed upon, and the observances are not yet standardized.  Nevertheless, they are worth noting.

Yom Ha-Shoah

Also known as Holocaust Remembrance Day, this holiday occurs on the 27th of Nisan (on the 26th, when the 27th falls on Friday, or on the 28th, when the 27th falls on Sunday, to avoid interference with Shabbat).  "Shoah" is the Hebrew word for the Holocaust.  This is a memorial day for those who died in the Holocaust.

 
Yom Ha-Zikkaron

Israeli Memorial Day, observed on the 4th of Iyar (on the 5th, when the 4th falls on Sunday, on the 2nd, when the 5th falls on Shabbat, or on the 3rd, when the 5th falls on Friday, to avoid interference with Shabbat), remembers those who died in the War of Liberation.

 
Yom Ha-Atzma'ut

Israeli Independence Day, marking the establishment of the modern state of Israel in 1948.  It is observed on the 5th of Iyar (on the 6th, when the 4th falls on Sunday, on the 3rd, when the 5th falls on Shabbat, or on the 4th, when the 5th falls on Friday, to avoid interference with Shabbat).  According to some views, the restrictions of the Omer period are lifted for this day.  A few anti-Zionist Jews observe this day as a day of mourning for the sin of proclaiming the state of Israel without the Mashiach.

 
Yom Yerushalayim

The 28th day of Iyar commemorates the reunification of the city of Jerusalem in Israeli hands.  According to some views, the restrictions of the Omer period are lifted for this day.

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