The Fallen Remembered in Israel

Today is Memorial Day in Israel, a day the Israeli government website portrays as one of collective and personal anguish mingled with honour for the fallen. The Ministry of Defence says a total of 25,034 men, women and children have been killed in terrorist attacks and in defence of the Land of Israel since 1860. That was the year the first Jewish inhabitants left the walled city of Jerusalem to build new Jewish neighbourhoods.

Since the Memorial Day in 2023, another 760 names have been added to the list of those who have died defending the country, as well as 61 disabled veterans who died due to complications from injuries sustained during their service. In addition, 834 civilians were killed in terrorist attacks over the past year.

In the 7th October massacre and the subsequent war with Hamas and Hezbollah, 711 members of the security forces and 822 civilians have been killed.  

Among many ceremonies was one held at Kibbutz Be’eri to honour those who lost their lives defending the community on 7th October. 101 residents of the kibbutz were massacred in that attack and another 30 were taken hostage to Gaza.

Those numbers could have been much higher apart from the bravery of 33 soldiers, policemen, kibbutz security members, and citizens, who fought back and died in the fierce battles on that dark day.

This report about that ceremony comes from i24News: