Memorial Day events Sunday with a heart-wrenching siren echoing across the country. Millions of Israeli citizens stopped in their tracks and bowed their heads in remembrance of the fallen who sacrificed their lives defending the land.
The official state ceremony opening the memorial day events took place at the Western Wall in Jerusalem, attended by President Isaac Herzog who took the podium with a torn shirt, saying it represented a "tear in the heart of the State of Israel." IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi spoke of the heavy responsibility placed on commanders, saying "I bow my head to the memory of the civilians we failed to save." Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and families of fallen soldiers and victims of hostilities also took part.
In his speech at the Western Wall plaza, Herzog addressed the bereaved families: "This year, in addition to the siren commemorating our fallen since the rebirth of the state, a new siren began at 6:29 AM on the morning of the terrible October 7 national tragedy during Simchat Torah. It is a siren that continues, long and piercing – a cry of a nation in national mourning."
He spoke of the "bleeding tear in the heart of the people" and called on all to unite as one people in the spirit of revival symbolized by the memory of the fallen. Herzog mentioned soldiers like Lt. Col. Yonatan Steinberg and Lt. Col. Roi Levy who "led from the front" before falling in battle.
The president vowed that Israel would never forsake its captured civilians and soldiers, saying "We must find the courage to choose life. We shall not rest until they all return home."
In his speech, Lt. Gen. Halevi said: "As IDF chief during this war, I bear responsibility for the IDF's failure to protect Israel's citizens on October 7. I feel the weight of this every day...I bow my head to the civilians we failed to save, our security forces, and IDF fallen – men and women, conscripts and reservists who fell in battle since the war began."
He praised the "courage and dedication" of soldiers who "charged headlong into hell" when commanded, saying "They saw themselves as single-handedly determining the outcome of the entire campaign."
The Israeli national memorial ceremony "Songs in Their Memory" was also broadcast Sunday night, with performances by leading Israeli artists, in attendance of the president, prime minister, and other dignitaries.
