In the Battle of Tel Hai in 1920, eight fighters were killed. In the battle over Bint Jbeil during the 2006 Second Lebanon War, eight IDF soldiers died.
The heroes of Tel Hai were lionized for their noble defense of the Jewish settlements in the area. Kiryat Shomna, literally the "town of the eight", is named in their honor. Every generation of IDF recruits is told about their heroic actions in pre-state Israel, and Kiryat Shmonah has over the years become the symbol of steadfastness in the face of incessant attacks from Lebanon.
Follow Israel Hayom on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram
Some 86 years after the battle in Tel Hai, me and my soldiers from the Golani Brigade crossed the Lebanese border during the Second Lebanon War, knowing full well that we were there to defend Kiryat Shomna and the other Israeli communities in the north, as well as Israelis by and large. The battle over the Lebanese town of Bint Jbeil lasted several long hours. Despite the enemy having the initial upper hand because of the lay of the land, we got our senses back and hit back fiercely, moving in on Hezbollah until we overpowered it. We paid a heavy price: Eight dead. Once again we showed the uncompromising resolve to ensure that Jewish statehood continues in our ancient homeland.
In Bint Jbeil the values of the Israel Defense forces took on their full meaning as demonstrated in battle: The camaraderie and the determination to see the mission through, the cohesion, the fraternity, and the sacrifice, as well as the courage and the pursuit of victory. When we joined the IDF, we took an oath like every new conscript. This oath includes a willingness to die in the name of your country. We saw this become reality just several miles from the border.
Our fallen brethren, our brothers in arms and mates, will always stay with us. We will always remember their strong vigor, their faith, and vision, their appreciation of knowing that they were serving a noble national cause. Their legacy serves as a compass for the IDF, its fighters, and its commanders. Every day, especially on Memorial Day, I speak with them, I salute them and miss them. The pain of their absence is intertwined with the great pride in the many good things they represent. I remember Roee's leadership, Alex's calm demeanor, Amichai's unwavering faith, Idan's beaming smile, as well as Edga's disarming innocence, Ohad's dedication, and the reassuring tranquility of Assaf, as well as Shimon's blue and good-natured eyes. Two weeks after the battle, we also lost Yossef and Tamer, who were loyal friends imbued with courage and giving.
The fallen from 2006 are joined by the many others who gave their lives for the country throughout its history and in other theaters. Together with their families, I mourn their loss. But even as I grieve, I know that thanks to them we live in the most blessed Jewish period in some 2000 years. Thanks to the fallen, we have sovereignty, statehood, liberty and independence. And above all, we have the ability to defend ourselves by ourselves against those who want to inflict harm on us. We can do so by land, sea, and air – everywhere.
A year after the Second Lebanon War, Amichai's parents had their first grandson. He was given the name Amichai, which literally means "My people live." The generations carry on the baton.
Subscribe to Israel Hayom's daily newsletter and never miss our top stories!
