Israel comes to a standstill to remember Holocaust victims

Everyday life came to a solemn two-minute standstill for Israelis on Monday as the country marked the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day.

A siren signalled for people to pause and remember the six million Jews murdered in Europe under Nazi rule during the Second World War.

Video shows central Jerusalem all-but shutting down as cars and buses stopped on roads while pedestrians halted walking.

Many people bowed their heads in a show of respect to the victims of Hitler's Holocaust.

The 10am siren was followed by ceremonies at schools, memorials and public buildings in honour of those who perished, reports The Times of Israel.

The Holocaust Remembrance Day ceremonies began at the Yad Vashem museum and memorial in Jerusalem on Sunday evening, with six survivors lighting beacons — one for every million Jews slain.

Decades after the liberation of the Nazi camps, the annual Holocaust Remembrance Day continues to be marked in Israel, with restaurants, stores and entertainment centres closed.