Located on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, the National Memorial Hall for Israel's Fallen offers a profound setting to honor the soldiers who gave their lives establishing and defending the State of Israel. Commissioned by the Israeli Ministry of Defense, this sacred site provides a central place of pilgrimage for bereaved families, blending personal reflection with a collective sense of national commemoration. As you explore the hall, you will encounter thoughtful architectural elements designed to preserve these precious memories.
The exterior of the hall thoughtfully echoes the natural topography of the surrounding mountain landscape. Inside, the central atrium features a striking undulating funnel designed to symbolize a torch and an eternal flame. Wrapping around the hall’s spiral staircase is a 250-meter-long wall of names composed of approximately 23,000 bricks.
Each individual brick is engraved with a fallen soldier's name, the date they were killed, and a candle to be lit on the anniversary of their death. Additionally, daily memorial services are held within the hall to honor the anniversary of each soldier's death, making a visit here a deeply moving experience during your time in Jerusalem.
What to see at National Memorial Hall (Mount Herzl)
- Undulating funnel in the central atrium symbolizing a torch and eternal flame
- A 250-meter-long spiral wall of names made of approximately 23,000 bricks
- Bricks individually engraved with soldiers' names, dates killed, and anniversary candles
- Exterior architecture echoing the topography of the surrounding mountain landscape
- Daily memorial services held to honor the anniversary of each soldier's death
Visiting tips
Attend one of the daily memorial services held at the hall to observe how the anniversary of each soldier's death is honored.
How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: During daily memorial services
How to get there & what’s nearby
National Memorial Hall (Mount Herzl) is easy to reach on Jerusalem’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Tower of David and Walls of Jerusalem. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Jerusalem travel guide.
See the full Jerusalem travel guide for where to stay, the best time to visit and the top things to do.