April 25, 2004 - April 27, 2004
The SA Zionist Federation commemorated Yom Hazikaron in a moving and dignified ceremony, attended by almost 1000 people.

The solemn and formal programme highlighted various aspects of the strife that has befallen Eretz Yisrael since its establishment 56 years ago.  After the lowering of the Israeli flag  by the Netzer shaliach, Daniel Pinhasi, Charges d'Affairs of the Israeli Embassy,  lit the flame of remembrance and brought a message to the South African Jewish community from the government of Israel.  7 candles were then lit by members of the community representing those who died in the 1948, 1956, 1967, 1973 and 1982 wars, as well as all those soldiers who had fallen in the line of duty and those Israelis who had died in the war on terror that has been so devastating to the country for so many years.  
 
After a short and meaningful documentary, a poetry reading and a song by members of the various Zionist Youth movements, the Chairman of the SA Zionist Federation, Avrom Krengel, delivered a short message.  El Male Rachamim was  magnificently  intoned by Cantor Chaim Shalpid; Kaddish was recited by Chief Rabbi Cyril Harris; and the audience rose to sing Hatikvah. 
 
The was possibly the largest gathering of people commemorating Yom Hazikaron that the SAZF has hosted for many years, and was an impressive tribute to those who died in the defence of Israel.