The Jewish Community Center’s Staenberg Family Complex in Creve Coeur will host free events on April 29 and May 1 commemorating Israel’s Memorial Day and Israel Independence Day.

Yom Hazikaron is a solemn gathering where fallen Israeli soldiers are remembered in public memorial services. In Israel, the men and women who died in the defense of the state are honored during a nationwide two-minute-long siren.

That piercing siren will also be heard during the St. Louis Yom Hazikaron service, which begins at 7 p.m. on April 29 in the J’s Arts & Education Building. The event will also include songs and prayers. This year’s Yom Hazikaron will continue the tradition of centering on a specific theme, according to Rabbi Brad Horwitz, chief Jewish engagement officer.

“In addition to memorializing all of the people over the years who defended Israel and died in acts of terror, we’re going to focus on Oct. 7th.”

Advance registration is required to attend the Yom Hazikaron ceremony. More information is available here.

A very different gathering will occur at the J at 5 p.m. on May 1. Yom Ha’atzmaut is a joyous celebration commemorating Israel Independence Day. The event will be held in the J’s gymnasium. It will feature a wide range of entertainment options, including a petting zoo, balloon art, face painting and traditional Israeli folk dancing. Food will also be available for purchase.

The Yom Ha’atzmaut event will also include a special photojournalism exhibit called “Humans of October 7,” Horwitz said.

“The exhibit is really interesting because it focuses on stories of resilience and hope of people in Israel,” he said. “It includes stories of people and how they’ve been rebuilding their lives. It doesn’t focus on the tragedy as much as these stories of people who are trying to find a way to rebuild.”

Advance registration is required to attend the Yom Ha’atzmaut celebration. Information is available here.