A two-minute siren is sounding at this moment, and hundreds of thousands of people are standing silently in memory of 22,437 soldiers who have fallen since 1860, when Jews first moved outside of the Old City walls. IN the past 12 months, 65 soldiers died. Ceremonies also are being held for 1,634 civilians who have been killed by terrorists.
Prayers and speeches in memory of soldiers are taking place immediately after the siren at 43 military cemeteries throughout the country. Prime Minister Ehud Olmert is speaking at the Har Herzl Military Cemetery in Jerusalem.