Yom Hazikaron

Although I had at least 3 other things I wanted to share with you today, nothing seemed more meaningful than to acknowledge Yom Hazikaron. 
What is Yom Hazikaron?
In 1963, the Israeli Parliament enacted into law that this day the 4th day of Iyar would be a national of remembrance day observed  for all Israeli military personnel who lost their lives in the struggle that led to the establishment of the State of Israel and for those who have been killed subsequently while on active duty in Israel’s armed forces.As of Yom Hazikaron 2018, that number was 23,645.There have been 4 new holidays added to the modern Jewish calendar since 1948.
Yom Hashoah which observed last week is a memorial for those who died in The Holocaust.
Yom Ha'atmaut, Israeli Independence Day is tomorrow.
Yom Yerushlaim, which commemorates the reunification in 1967 of Jerusalem is Sunday May 13th.
For those of us still living in The Diaspora, (Google it), it may be difficult to connect completely to the last 3 holidays in the same way that someone who lives or grew up in Israel does. Still it is important that we are aware of and take notice of the significance of them. 
Yom Hashoah is different. 
If you look at most contemporary calendars, that list holidays, it will probably appear on them.
Yom Hashoah is Universal. 
No one, Jew or gentile should ever forget.
Yesterday, I spoke a number of times to a dear friend of mine who is Israeli.
I heard in his voice the tremendous depth of his sorrow.
His sorrow for the day and his sorrow for not being in Israel on this day. 
His connection to this is something I can't even begin to feel, even as tears rolled down my face.
I may not feel it the same way he does, however, I know that it is important to me.
It is important that I commemorate the day. It is important that I share this day. 
It always comes down to this one very important question.
If not me then who?