PM: We're constantly working to free captives
Israel launches Remembrance Day events for Israel's Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism in ceremony in Jerusalem's Ammunition Hill. 'As a member of a bereaved family, I am well acquainted with the sense of loss and helplessness,' Benjamin Netanyahu says
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday attended a ceremony at the Ammunition Hill in Jerusalem which launched events marking the Remembrance Day for Israel's Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism.
In the backdrop of reports on progress in negotiations to release captive soldier Gilad Shalit, Netanyahu said: "Not a day goes by that we don't care for the wellbeing of our captive soldiers, including Gilad Shalit, who is being kept by a ruthless enemy. We are constantly working to free them, including via secret channels."
The ceremony was also attended by Supreme Court President Dorit Beinish, Israel's Chief Rabbi Shlomo Amar and Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat. Netanyahu also addressed recent uprisings in the Middle East and stated: "As days go by, one thing becomes abundantly clear – Israel is an island of freedom, democracy and progress."
Prime minister's family near Yoni Netanyahu's grave (Photo: Avi Ohayon, GPO)
He further added: "As a member of a bereaved family, I am well acquainted with the pain, the sense of loss and helplessness. These are joined by the grief over missed opportunities. We shall never know what would have happened had our loved ones stayed alive, had they set up families and realized their dreams. "
The prime minister went on to say, "Had the fallen been with us today they would have witnessed miracles. They would likely have been in awe watching Israel, a country low on resources, become one of the most prospering countries in the world. All this would not have been made possible had these young men and women not sacrificed their lives to guarantee our existence."
According to Defense Ministry data, 183 people have joined Israel's fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism in the past year. It was also revealed that there are 4,999 bereaved mothers, and 2,543 orphans under the age of 30.
Netanyahu and his family on Saturday visited the grave of Lieutenant-Colonel Yoni Netanyahu, who was killed in Operation Entebbe 35 years ago.
A one minute siren will sound across Israel on Sunday at 8 pm in memory of Israel's Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism.
A second, two-minute siren will sound across Israel on Monday morning, honoring the 22,867 fallen soldiers and terror attack victims.
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