Israel ? With the wail of air raid sirens at sundown Monday, Israel began its annual Memorial Day observance for fallen soldiers and victims of terror attacks.

Incoming Prime Minister Ehud Olmert addressed survivors at a ceremony at the site of a bloody battle in Jerusalem during the 1967 Mideast war.

“I pledge that we will do all we can to avert further losses and further bereavement over our sons,” he said.

According to government statistics, 22,123 Israeli soldiers and civilians have been killed in wars and hostile acts, including 138 soldiers and 45 civilians over the past year.

Memorial Day is followed immediately by Independence Day. At a ceremony in Jerusalem this evening, flags will be raised from half-staff to the tops of the flagpoles, and Israel’s 58th birthday party will begin.