Now, after Defense Minister Naftali Bennett has informed us all that cemeteries are a "deadly bomb," we finally understand why we cannot visit the military plots on Memorial Day to be with our fallen loved ones. Essentially, this is perhaps the most sensitive directive thus far among all the ones the public has received. But it doesn't mean it is wrong. It is certainly appropriate if we want to continue easing restrictions and returning to normal life in the shadow of the coronavirus.
To be sure, in the wake of the Passover lockdown, it appears the decision to prohibit families from visiting their loved ones' graves on Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel and Victims of Terrorism next Monday will be especially difficult for people to obey. I don't recall this simple ceremony – of standing at attention next to the graves during the siren – ever not taking place. For those who customarily partake in this particular ritual, wherever it may be – whether a kibbutz or far-flung town – going to the military plot on this day is also a type of social gathering. It sounds strange. People we don't normally meet throughout the year suddenly appear in our lives and together we talk, share an embrace, a comforting kiss. All the things we are strictly forbidden from doing these days.
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But the community of bereaved families is an essential core of Israeli society. Some of the success in coping with the coronavirus stems from a sense of social and national solidarity, a willingness to accept discipline, contrary to the claim that Israelis tend to disrespect the law. The willingness of those who lost sons, brothers, sisters, daughters, friends and fathers to forego visiting their graves should serve as a shining example of judicious civilian behavior.
So maybe Israeli citizens are free-minded, even rebellious people and feel they don't need to obey the guidelines for whatever reasons, and Yoram Lass thinks one thing and Yair Golan another; but because this is a shared struggle – and the state is demanding no less sacrifice from its Arab citizens over the month of Ramadan – we must accept the verdict.
This is an immense sacrifice. Those who annually partake in these intimate Memorial Day events, know. The concern is that people will try breaking through barriers to enter military plots, perhaps mainly to demonstrate and emphasize the sanctity of their loss and sacrifice. What can be done to ensure this doesn't happen? The proposal to spread out these graveside pilgrimages throughout the week is reasonable. The main objective is to avoid congestion and crowds. Any hostile or violent event on Memorial Day will mar the memory of the fallen. Restraint, in this case, is strength. Particularly on the part of the bereaved.
