Israel began marking the Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism on Tuesday evening when, at 8 p.m., a one-minute siren rang out throughout the country, causing all to stop in silence.
The central ceremony was held at the Western Wall in the Old City of Jerusalem in the presence of Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Aviv Kochavi.
He added that “over the past year, past weeks, and indeed, past few days, grief and pain have struck us time and again. Even today, our enemies rise up against us to destroy us with hateful terror, and as always, they find us ready and determined—with one hand holding a weapon and the other extended in dialogue and peace. It is precisely in these heart-breaking moments, escorting our heroes and heroines on their final journeys, together with their beloved families, whose pain instantly becomes our own—precisely in these moments, we discover time and again the sheer power of our wonderful and marvelous nation, a nation that knows how to overcome any obstacle.”
Earlier in his speech, he said: “Here, at the Wailing Wall, in silence and sacred trepidation, we bow our heads in memory of the sons and daughters, the fallen soldiers of Israel’s wars and victims of terror attacks. From south to north, east to west, members of all communities and sections of society, members of all waves of aliyah, of all religions and faiths. Partners in pride and in pain.”
All were officially recognized by the Defense Ministry.