Dichotomy

Today was remembrance day - in the top picture you can see people standing still for the two minutes siren that was sounded at 11:00 am which marks the opening of the official memorial ceremonies and private remembrance gatherings at each cemetery where soldiers are buried. The day officially drew to a close @20:00 in the official ceremony of Israel Independence Day on Mount Herzl, when the flag of Israel is returned to full staff.In the lower part of the picture you can see a close-up of some of the fireworks.

Scheduling Remembrance day right before Independence day is intended to remind people of the price paid for independence and of what was achieved with the soldiers' sacrifice. This transition shows the importance of this day among Israelis, most of whom have served in the armed forces or have a connection with people who were killed during their military service.