Statement Commemorating Remembrance Day by The Chief of the General Staff, LTG. Herzi Halevi

 Soldiers of the IDF, commanders and civilian employees,

In a time of unwavering war against a relentless enemy, the IDF bows its head to honor the memory of the fallen.

We mourn the loss of our soldiers, who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our people, our land, and our state. We pay tribute to those who have perished over the years since our people’s return from 2,000 years in exile, and to those who fell while defending the Jewish communities in the War of Independence and throughout 76 years of fighting for the independence of the State of Israel.

We walk the trails blazed by those who fought before us and alongside us. We will never forget our comrades, soldiers and commanders, who laid down their lives fighting the enemy and performed acts of valor. They enlisted hoping to make a difference, willing to risk their lives and shoulder the burden of responsibility. They walked the fine line between the sanctity of life and true devotion and fought as if the fate of the war rested solely upon their shoulders. They did not choose to die, yet they were willing to do what was right, even at the cost of their lives.

This year, Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism has been overshadowed by war. The Swords of Iron War, which was forced upon us by a vicious surprise attack from the south, continues to exact a heavy toll on many fronts. Our nation still mourns the loss of civilians murdered in their homes, of our comrades, security and rescue personnel and of the fallen men and women of the IDF who have died in battle since the war broke out.

We will remember the fallen as they were in life, their dreams, ambitions and plans yet to be fulfilled. We will remember their final heroic moments, their noble choices, and the courageous decisions they made to honor their pledge and safeguard our people. We pay homage to those who fell in combat as well as soldiers who perished in training exercises, accidents, due to illness or emotional distress.

On this day, we stand beside the bereaved at the cemeteries. This camaraderie in arms will turn into our unbreakable bond with the families, in the journey we share with the parents, children, siblings and partners. Some we have stood by for many years; others have only recently experienced bereavement. In the ongoing battles, we were not always able to accompany their loved ones to their final resting place, and many soldiers were forced to mourn their commanders and friends on the battlefield. We will continue to support the families, care for the wounded and keep our pledge to work tirelessly for the safe return of our hostages, captives and missing persons to their homes.

The memory of the fallen will forever reside in our hearts, and our debt to them is one: to be the shield that guards our people in our homeland, and a sanctuary for the Jewish people from every enemy, near or far. In times of war, their legacy gives us the strength to do whatever is necessary to safeguard the people of Israel. Through our collective strength and shared purpose, we stand committed on every front, ready to confront any challenge that comes our way.

May the memory of the fallen be blessed.

LTG Herzi Halevi
Chief of the General Staff