YAOUNDÉ – Israelis paused Monday to honor fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism with sirens and ceremonies on the country's annual Memorial Day.
It is one of the most melancholy dates on the Israeli calendar. After decades of conflict, most Israelis have lost loved ones or know someone who has.
In Cameroon, Israelis assembled at the Embassy of Israel in Yaoundé to commemorate the occasion.
Some sources hold that 23,085 soldiers and defense personnel have been killed in fighting since 1860, when Jews began moving back to the area.
Israel has fought half a dozen wars with Arab countries since its establishment in 1948 and has battled two Palestinian uprisings.
Bereaved families gathered at cemeteries across the country.