Letter by the Minister of Defesne

Dear Families,

"The covenant between us / will not be broken by the mightiest armies,

Still illuminates in our hearts / the memory of 'then', pure and innocent"

(Rachel)

With great pain and deep respect, we bow our heads and cherish the memory of our best sons and daughters, those who fell in their mission to defend the land. Before our eyes stand their smiling faces that remain forever young, since they set out on a mission from which they did not return - and beside them are your faces, dear family members, who have lived since their fall in the shadow of longing and pain for which there is no relief.

We revere in our hearts, not only the contribution of the sons and daughters for the security of the country and the defense of the land, but also the values ​​​​in light of which they served and fought - values ​​​​that still guide our commanders and fighters today, as they defend the land out of commitment to its security and future.

We remember the loss of the fallen leaves a void not only for their loved ones - but also for the our country and society, which were blessed with their talent, creativity and love of the land and the people.

The complex multi-front war led by the IDF and the security forces since the murderous October 7 terrorist attack has sadly brought many families to the circle of bereavement, including families for whom this is their first Memorial Day without their loved one. For them, and for those who suffered the loss many years ago, the passage of time does not heal or ease the terrible pain.

On this holy day, as on all days of the year, our hearts are filled with pride in these sons and daughters, the best of our people: pride that we have been blessed with such heroes and heroines, a chain of generations of dedication and endless giving.

I send to all of you, the bereaved families, an embrace of support, and pledge that we will continue to stand by you and accompany you. At the same time, we will continue to fulfill our important mission to commemorate the path of the fallen - with deep pride and great appreciation.

May the memory of all the fallen be blessed and may we hold them in our hearts forever.

Yours,

Israel Katz

Minister of Defense