Ahead of Israel’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror, a moving gathering was held with IDF servicemen and women who lost loved ones during the “Swords of Iron” War.
The IDF Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir, met with the soldiers and expressed deep appreciation for their commitment to return to service despite their personal loss.
“Your ability to summon your strength, to rise, to continue, to put on the uniform and serve the country—that is something truly awe-inspiring,” said Zamir. “You symbolize, in my eyes, the spirit and strength of this nation.”
“This is True Strength”
Among those participating in the meeting were Major Dafna Shakuri, widow of Major David Shakuri z”l; Second Lieutenant A., son of Warrant Officer (Res.) Gil Boyum z”l and brother of Inbar Boyum z”l; and Private A., brother of Captain Oshri Moshe Butzhak z”l.
Each shared their personal story and their decision to continue wearing the uniform out of a sense of mission and purpose.
“You carry your story with you—that is true strength,” the Chief of Staff added. “It is not something to be taken for granted, and it shows what it means to be a fighter, even in the hardest times.”
Netanyahu “If They Hadn’t Done It, We Wouldn’t Be Here”
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his wife Sara also met with widows and orphans of IDF soldiers.
Netanyahu, who lost his brother Yoni z”l during Operation Entebbe, said:
“They loved this country and wanted us to live here, and that’s why they did everything they did. If they hadn’t done it—we wouldn’t be here,” he said.
“I want to tell you, especially the little children—you have a father. Maybe not in body, but in heart. Living in the heart—that’s what remains, and that’s what you must hold onto,” he added.
