Israeli Premier Benjamin Netanyahu pledged his gratitude to Israel’s fallen soldiers at the start of Sunday’s weekly cabinet meeting, which coincided with the country’s annual Yom Hazikaron commemoration, as he insisted that “we are here thanks to Israel’s fighters who joined the struggle for our existence”.
Invoking the continued struggle of the Jewish State in the face of those seeking to delegitimise it, he said that whilst those threats to its existence continue to manifest themselves, “we will continue to strengthen our security, we will continue to aspire for peace with our neighbours, and we will continue to ensure the future of our country”.
Israelis across the country marked the onset of Yom Hazikaron Sunday evening with a moment of national silence followed by a one minute siren. On Monday, 44 simultaneous ceremonies at IDF military ceremonies throughout the country were scheduled to start at 11am local time, followed by a two minute sounding of sirens.
Elsewhere, at a memorial service for the Israel Defence Force (IDF)’s fallen soldiers at the Yad LaBanim military cemetery, on the eve of the country’s 65th anniversary celebrations, the Israeli PM sought to project a message of unity as he paid tribute to the martyred soldiers drawn “from all walks of life in Israeli society”, invoking its Christian, Muslim, Druze and Bedouin minority communities. "We value the enormous contribution made by the fallen soldiers, and there is no greater equality than standing together at the frontlines, sacrificing their lives so that we may live," he vowed.
Once more invoking the “Jew-haters” seeking to wipe Israel “from the face of the earth”, he warned that the enemies of the Jewish State “did not succeed in the past, and they will never succeed”. Expressing Israel’s wish to maintain peace in the troubled region, he nevertheless cautioned that “if we are so condemned, then we will raise our swords and go to battle against those who wish to harm us”, as he concluded that history had proven “that only strong defences can ensure that we stay safe”.
Rounding off his address von a more personal note, as he prepared to visit the grave of his brother Yoni Netanyahu, who himself lost his life whilst serving in the IDF, he said that the ongoing pain of “wounds inflicted by bereavement” of those lost in service “is the secret of our strength and might”.
In a direct message to the bereaved families present for the official ceremony, he concluded: “The entire nation follows us, follows you, embraces you to their hearts and honours your noble demeanour in the face of incessant anguish. It draws from your mental strength. Today, the entire people and I salute the courage of our finest sons and daughters, who are worthy of glory for all eternity.”
Opening the Remembrance Day ceremony, Israeli President Shimon Peres said tributes to Israel’s fallen heroes would never make their loss easier for their families, “nut maybe it will comfort you, even a little, the knowledge that we, your family, your friends we remember them and will always remember them”.
Heralding the modern State of Israel risen out of the ashes of “this deep mourning”, to race to the forefront of creativity and technological innovation, he added that, faced with such overwhelming achievements, “there is no limit to our pride, there is no limit to my pride”. Espousing a more hopeful message than that of Netanyahu’s, he dismissed attempts to delegitimise Israel, as he insisted: “Israel's existence is no longer in question. The IDF is ready for any scenario, against any enemy. Against any danger.”
Heralding the proven courage, faith and spirit of IDF soldiers, he said that “we know it. Our enemies have learnt it”, as he too spoke of the duty of defending Israel’s citizens, adding: “Because even if the price of peace will be heavy – we will always be able to bear it. Terror brings death. Peace brings life. For us and our neighbours.”
Expressing his gratitude for the eternal sacrifice of IDF troops, he concluded:
“We will not forget even for a moment and will always remember those for whom the survival of Israel and its glory are indebted. Those who over the 65 years of the state's existence, protected her with their bodies, their blood and their lives, defended her borders and the security of her citizens, her independence and her freedom. Israel is as dear to us as the bravery of her fighters, and as dear as the depth of the sorrow for each fallen soldier.”
Meanwhile, in a statement outlining the significance of both Yom Hazikaron and Yom Ha’atzmaut (Israeli Independence Day) which follows, the Israeli foreign ministry revealed “the proximity is intended to remind people of the heavy price paid for independence”.
“On this day the entire nation remembers its debt and expresses eternal gratitude to its sons and daughters who gave their lives for the achievement of the country's independence and its continued existence,” continued the official comment.
The celebrations to mark Israeli independence, signalled 65 years ago by the Balfour Declaration which ended the British Mandate in Palestine, will commence Monday evening on the conclusion of the more solemn Remembrance Day commemorations, when the state flag will be raised to full mast as part of a national ceremony on Mount Herzl, named in memory of Israel’s first leader and founder of the Zionist movement Theodor Herzl, where 12 torches will be lit.