May 12, 2005 -- Yeshiva University students organized a meaningful program for Yom Hazikaron (Israel Memorial Day) and Yom Ha'atzmaut (Israel Independence Day) the evening of May 11 for a packed audience at Lamport Auditorium in Zysman Hall on the Wilf Campus. The program began with the Israeli flag being lowered to mark the solemnity of Yom Hazikaron, which pays tribute to those who gave their lives for the Jewish state. Since 1947, some 21,000 soldiers have given their lives to defend the Jewish state. Dovid Wildman, Yeshiva College's Israel Club president, offered welcoming remarks and Hindy Poupko, Israel Club president at Stern College for Women, led a Yizkor candle lighting ceremony. The Yom Hazikaron multimedia presentation was a moving conclusion to the memorial portion of the program. To commemorate Israel's 57th birthday, the Israeli flag was raised. The multimedia program for Yom Ha’atzmaut focused on YU students’ experiences in Israel throughout the years. Yeshiva University President Richard M. Joel spoke, as did Rabbi Meir Goldwicht, rosh yeshiva at RIETS, and Malcolm Hoenlein, vice-chairman of the Conference of Presidents of Major Jewish Organizations. The event was followed by dancing and joyous singing well into the night. For more photos from the event click here.