Jerusalem – Israel is marking its annual Holocaust remembrance day, in memory of the 6 million Jews killed by Nazi Germany and its collaborators.
Ceremonies are held around the country on the solemn day, which is marked from Wednesday evening. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is attending the main ceremony at Jerusalem’s Yad Vashem Holocaust memorial.
On Thursday, Israelis will come to a mournful, two-minute standstill to remember the dead.
A siren will sound, pedestrians will stop in their tracks and motorists will pull over on highways and roads. The names of those killed will be read out in parliament.
This year’s memorial day comes as a report by Tel Aviv University found a drop in violent attacks against Jews last year, but said the number remains high.
