The wall. Even the letters were removed
Photo: IDF's Spokesperson Unit
Iron dealers vandalize IDF monument
IDF monument vandalized during holiday, plaques, letters removed, apparently by iron dealers who deal in the material. This is a painful, criminal act, IDF official say
An IDF monument to fallen soldiers was vandalized during the holidays by unidentified offenders who removed the iron plaques and letters that carried the dead soldier's names off the memorial's wall.
Army sources were shocked to uncover the desecration of the monument, dedicated to the IDF's Logistics Command. The theft has been attributed to 'iron thieves' who apparently trade in the material.
This is a painful, criminal act, Chief of the Logistics Command, Brigadier General Itzik Ben Tov told Ynet.
Only a month ago the command held a ceremony in commemoration of 16 soldiers who were killed in the recent period, and whose names have been added to the memorial's wall.
Inaugurated about two years ago, the monument consists of a wall on which iron plaques carrying the names of the fallen have been placed. The letters themselves were made of an alloy of iron and copper.
Monument to be restored – without using iron
Ben Tov said that the act of vandalism was only revealed in the last few days.
"We discovered that during the Sukkot holiday, unknown people arrived at the place and unlawfully and insensitively removed the plaques and letters. They knew exactly what they were doing, and even left the screws behind," Ben Tov said.
Ben Tov estimated that the offenders were iron dealers, but said he could not comprehend such an act.
"This is obviously a memorial site dedicated to soldiers who gave their lives for the homeland," Ben Tov said.
The commemoration wall, which was badly damaged, will soon be restored. Meanwhile, the people of the Logistics Command intend to file a complaint with the police.
The new wall, Ben Tov reassured, will be designed with marble and lead, materials that are harder to remove.
"The monument is located near a highway and is open to the public. We cannot place guards here," Ben Tov explained.
However, he promised, "we will do everything within our power to safeguard the honor of the fallen, and to put right this horrible crime."
