(9 May 2000) Natural Sound
XFA
Israelis paid their respects to soldiers who died fighting for the Jewish state and victims of terror attacks on Remembrance Day on Tuesday.
People stood in silence for two minutes, as sirens were sounded and Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak laid a wreath at a memorial for troops who'd sacrificed their lives for their nation.
Nearly 20-thousand Israeli soldiers have been killed in fighting since the Jewish nation was established.
UPSOUND: Siren
Israeli soldiers at roadblocks between Jerusalem and the West Bank temporarily stopped their work of checking Palestinian cars on the way to Jerusalem.
They were paying their respects to fellow troops alike who had been killed fighting for Israel.
In the Jewish Orthodox area of Mea Shearim life was as usual, even through the siren.
The Ultra Orthodox Jews does not believe in the significance of this day and in fact some of them don't believe in the state of Israel at all.
The main ceremony took place at Mount Herzel in Jerusalem.
Israel's Prime Minister Ehud Barak and President Ezer Weizman and other officials, together with thousands of families took part in the ceremony.
UPSOUND: Bugle- 5 seconds
Israel has lost 19-thousand 109 soldiers to the nation's wars and terror attacks.
In a country of 6 (m) million people, Memorial Day ceremonies take on a deeply personal tone as most Israelis know someone who was killed in uniform.
People also visit the graves of their loved ones.
Many find time here to reflect and pray for peace in their troubled land.
Because of the sensitivity of this day, and because of the fact the Tuesday evening starts Independence Day in Israel, which is always followed by a high security alert, Israel has sealed off the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
Palestinians are prevented from entering Israel.
The 2-day closure, which started on Monday, will prevent thousands of Palestinians from entering Israel and going to work.
Palestinians complain that the measure amounts a collective punishment but Israel say the closure was a security measure.
Find out more about AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
Twitter: [ Ссылка ]
Facebook: [ Ссылка ]
Instagram: [ Ссылка ]
You can license this story through AP Archive: [ Ссылка ]
