A Letter from IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Herzi Halevi, to Mark Israeli Memorial Day

IDF soldiers, commanders and civilian employees,

Today, the Israel Defense Forces bows its head to commemorate its soldiers who are forever gone. 

This is the day of remembrance. We remember our nation being born after the Exodus, the cry of the millions murdered on European soil and the promise to establish a Jewish state in our ancient homeland—as the defenders of our people in a free country.

The State of Israel was established in the midst of war. The vote on our right to establish a country was yet to end, and attacks against Jews had already started all across the land. The Jewish defense organizations were yet to form one military when 5 enemy militaries invaded. Since the moment the Israel Defense Forces was established, it stood with courage in battles, in long months of combat operations while paying a heavy toll.

This year marks 50 years since the Yom Kippur War, which lies among the heaviest campaigns we knew. The bravery of IDF soldiers and their strength curbed the attack in the northern arena and in the Sinai. Their courage made the surprise an impressive military victory. The grief burned in our flesh the painful toll as an everlasting reminder.

On the evening of our 75 Independence Day, we remember all those who fell during their service, and are committed as always to the burden they laid in our hands. We will maintain the safety and security of the State of Israel in the face of every threat or enemy. Among the ranks of the IDF, the same spirit that beat for its soldiers in every campaign still beats to this very day.   

With its capabilities and strengths, the IDF is ready for every challenge in all arenas. Today we will stand united again in front of the gravestones in the cemeteries, above all disputes. As fellow soldiers and commanders, we will be there together. 

For their sake, we will continue operating in light of the promise of Israel’s founders: We will continue being a home and shelter to the Jewish people, defend the independence of our people in its country and put the IDF’s unique mission as the ‘People’s Army’ into action. In all of our military and command actions, we will remember and honor the fallen. We will continue to help those who are injured and will not stay silent until the captured and missing soldiers return to their country and family.

We will bear their heritage—the heritage of bravery and courage, of solidarity and companionship—and ensure to live a life of value that will be worthy of their sacrifice. 

By remembering them—their spirit lives within us.

IDF Chief of the General Staff LTG Herzi Halevi