In a rare show of unity, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, Minister Benny Gantz, and Opposition Leader Yair Lapid issued a joint statement Wednesday calling on the public to preserve the sanctity of the Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror.
The four leaders signed a letter drafted by Eli Ben-Shem, chairman of the Yad LaBanim organization for bereaved families, after being approached by Israel Hayom. The letter urges Israelis to "leave disputes outside military cemeteries" and avoid political arguments at gravesites out of respect for the fallen and their families.
"We turn to you, public representatives and all citizens of Israel...and ask you from the bottom of our hearts – preserve the sanctity of Memorial Day," the letter said.
It referenced the particularly difficult circumstances surrounding this year's memorial after the devastating Oct. 7 Hamas onslaught and months of conflict, resulting in a sharp increase in bereaved families joining "the circle of bereavement."
The leaders emphasized that Israel's independence was "bought at a heavy cost of blood" and that Memorial Day is meant to honor those who fell in defense of the country. For the sake of the fallen, the four called on Israelis to temporarily put aside political disagreements.
"We will honor the memory of all our daughters and sons, together. This is our duty, our responsibility, and this is how we will act," the letter said.
Ben-Shem approached the leaders amid concerns over potential protests or inappropriate behavior at cemeteries that could deepen the anguish of bereaved families on Memorial Day. A similar joint appeal was issued last year when clashes over the government's judicial reform plan led to confrontations at some gravesites.
