President Isaac Herzog participated today (Tuesday) in the official memorial ceremony for Joseph Trumpeldor and the defenders of Tel Hai, where he shared a message he had received from the residents of Kfar Giladi in the wake of the October 7 terror attack. “We have a strong country, and we — we are resilient,” the residents wrote, as they came under fire and mourned the loss of Staff Sergeant Tal Shavit, a member of the kibbutz who fell in battle in the south.
A Testament to the Strength of Northern Settlements
Herzog connected this message to the legacy of the battle at Tel Hai: “The battle of Tel Hai is not only a symbol of bravery and sacrifice but also proof of the resilience of the northern settlements, which continue to stand firm even in the most difficult times.” He recalled how, a year ago, under Hezbollah surveillance, local residents held an unofficial ceremony out of loyalty to tradition. “And here we are today, undoubtedly more secure and stronger than before.”
Honoring the Fallen and Rebuilding the North
During his speech, the president also paid tribute to those who have fallen in the ongoing war, including Staff Sergeant Tal Shavit, 21, from Kfar Giladi, whose grandfather was a member of Trumpeldor’s labor battalion. “More than a hundred years apart, Tal Shavit and the defenders of Tel Hai are buried here together. They are all defenders of Israel! They are all links in a powerful, unbreakable chain of heroism, determination, and strength,” Herzog said.
The president reaffirmed the government’s commitment to rehabilitating the north, pledging full governmental support: “The State of Israel owes you a tremendous debt! It must be a full partner in every sense of the word—not from afar, not through proposals and speeches, but through genuine listening to the experiences and needs of the communities and local leadership.”
A New Beginning for Northern Communities
Addressing the return of northern residents to their homes and the reopening of the education system, Herzog expressed hope that this renewal would lead to regional prosperity. “I know it is not easy, but the results are truly remarkable and reflect renewed confidence in the north.”
“The Defenders of Tel Hai Will Forever Serve as an Example”
In closing, the president reiterated his call for the return of the hostages and unwavering support for IDF soldiers and security forces. “We commit to doing everything possible to fulfill the highest moral, Israeli, and human duty—to bring every hostage home, civilians and soldiers alike, until the last one is returned.”
“The defenders of Tel Hai will forever serve as an example and a source of inspiration for bravery and the uncompromising protection of our people and land. May their memory be blessed forever,” Herzog concluded.
