Political division casts long shadow over Israel’s memorial day

Politicians and protesters urged to stay away from events honouring those killed serving in armed forces and in terrorist attacks

Israel’s memorial day, in which those killed serving in the armed forces as well as terrorist attacks are honoured, is usually quiet and sombre; then, at sunset, independence day celebrations and fireworks begin.

But this year, as the country readies for the consecutive holidays, Israelis find themselves grappling with an unprecedented political crisis that has divided society and cast a shadow over what are supposed to be displays of national unity.