PM: We salute fallen heroes of Israel
Following two-minute siren, ceremonies honoring 23,085 Israelis who fell in line of duty held across country. Netanyahu at Mount Herzl: We would not be here without our fighters' willingness to fight for our existence'
The number of Israelis who fell while in the line of duty stands at 23,085 on April 15.
"Look around you at the wonder called 'the State of Israel': Newly built Jerusalem, vibrant Tel Aviv, flourishing Haifa, the Negev and Galilee which are in a new momentum, and the whole State of Israel, which is a sun-lit island of stability and progress in a darkened, boiling, raging space," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said during the main State ceremony at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem.
Related stories:
- Remembrance Day: Israel's fallen number 25,578
- Jerusalem marks Memorial Day in national ceremony
- Peres at Kotel: Pain knows no boundaries
"Our success has been achieved thanks to you, citizens of Israel. From the days of the founders, through the generations which have continued to build and create and until our own generation.
Defense Minister Ya'alon in Kiryat Shaul Cemetery (Photo: Ariel Hermony)
"Facing the amassed threats, the IDF is stronger than ever. We'll keep bolstering our defenses, keep hoping and acting to reach peace with our neighbors, and keep defending our country," the PM said.
"We'll always remember – the Day of Independence we celebrate annually was achieved thanks to our fighters – those who survived the battles and those who gave their lives. With tearful eyes and a proud heart, we salute the fallen, our beloved, the heroes of Israel," he said.
Soldiers standing during siren, Tel Aviv (Photo: Yaron Brener)
Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon, attending a ceremony at Kiryat Shaul Cemetery in Tel Aviv said: "Dear families, your wound will not easily heal. A sharp, permanent pain will follow you the rest of your lives.
"The price you paid for the continued existence of the State of Israel is unbearable, incomprehensible. In your valor, you're a symbol for Israeli society's perseverance."
The past year has seen 92 names added to the list, including 37 IDF soldiers, 12 members of the security forces and 43 disabled IDF veterans. The number of fallen soldiers whose place of burial remains unknown stands at 555.
Video courtesy of jn1.tv
The number of Israelis killed in terrorist attacks stands at 2,493, including 120 foreign citizens. The past year has seen 10 civilians killed in terror attacks. At 1 pm a ceremony will be held in Mount Herzl for victims of terrorism.
Siren in Tel Aviv (Photo: Yaron Brener)
During Sunday's State ceremony at the Western Wall in Jerusalem's Old City, President Shimon Peres addressed the bereaved families and said: "The pain of the loss knows no boundaries. You, the parents, the spouses, the children and siblings – you are the real heroes of life."
IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Benny Gantz also spoke at the ceremony and said: "Tonight the fire of sacrifice is alight in the memorial candles burning in the Kotel and throughout the country, as well as in the hearts of every soldier.
"This fire is the willingness of the youth to enlist and dutifully devote themselves to the task at hand," he said.
- Receive Ynetnews updates
directly to your desktop
