Jerusalem, April 16 (IANS): Israelis across the country stood in silence as sirens wailed on Thursday to remember the six million Jews who perished at the hands of the Nazis during World War II.

The entire nation came to a standstill as sirens pierced the air at 10 a.m., heralding the start of a series of memorial activities marking Holocaust Remembrance Day, Xinhua news agency reported.

Traffic on roads and highways stopped. Many drivers stepped out of their vehicles, standing still in contemplation. Pedestrians halted their steps and stood in silence.

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

Memorial ceremonies were held in schools across the country.

At the Yad Vashem Holocaust Museum in Jerusalem, President Reuven Rivlin and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid wreaths in memory of the victims.

Later on Thursday, ministers, lawmakers and Holocaust survivors will read out the names of Holocaust victims at the Israeli parliament, Knesset.

This year marks 70 years since the end of World War II.

On Wednesday, opening the memorial events at Yad Vashem, President Rivlin said Israel would continue to struggle against anti-Semitism around the world.