This year’s program honored First Sgt. Michael Levin, a 22-year-old lone soldier from Philadelphia killed in the 2006 Lebanon War, and Sara Blaustein, a 53-year-old mother of four from New York murdered in a 2001 terror attack near Efrat.

The Memorial Day (Yom HaZikaron) siren sounded on Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. During the siren, Israelis stop what they are doing and reflect on fallen soldiers, police, and terror victims, 30,646 since the founding of the State of Israel.

With more than 500 female soldiers having given their lives to protect Israel since its establishment, take a moment to reflect on their courage and dedication to the Jewish state.

Watch and get a taste of how Israeli Independence Day started and is celebrated around the world, from the street parties and ceremonies in Israel to festivals all around the world.