JERUSALEM, April 12 (Xinhua) -- Israelis across the country stood silence on Thursday morning as sirens wailed in commemoration of the Holocaust's 6 million Jewish victims.

The entire nation came to standstill as the two-minute sirens pierced the air at 10 am (0700 GMT) to mark the beginning of a series of memorial activities on the Holocaust Martyrs' and Heroes' Remembrance Day, an official day to commemorate the Jews that died in the hands of Nazi Germany and its collaborators during World War II.

The traffic on all roads and highways abruptly stopped. Many drivers stepped out of their vehicles, standing still in contemplation.

Pedestrians halted their steps and stood in silence. In many homes, businesses, and offices, people stopped their activity and stood still to remember the victims of the Nazi genocide.

TV channels and radio stations in Israel were broadcasting solely Holocaust-related content, such as documentaries, interviews with survivors, and melancholic songs.

Memorial ceremonies were also held in schools across the country.

Later on Thursday, a wreath-laying ceremony would be held at the Yad Va'Shem Holocaust memorial in Jerusalem. The annual ceremony would be attended by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President of the Supreme Court Esther Hayut, representative of the security forces, and Holocaust survivors.