Today is Yom Ha’Zikaron, Memorial Day when we mourn the loss of 23,741 soldiers who sacrificed all for Israel, giving their lives while courageously protecting and defending the sole Jewish state, and 3,150 Israeli civilian victims of terror, people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, political persuasions, races and faiths viciously killed while simply living their lives, including the four blessed souls murdered within the past week alone. You have my unwavering respect, gratitude and love today and everyday — an American Jew living in the diaspora and humbly saluting you on the other side of the world. May their memory forever be a blessing. May we remember the heroic bravery and unmatched strength of each individual. May we always show up united for and with bereaved families. May we continue to honor their legacies as we pray for, believe in and actively work toward peace for all peoples, such that we never add another name to this tragic list — and the only siren we hear from Eilat to Kiryat Shmona is that which calls us to pause and stand still in remembrance of the fallen, never for an incoming rocket or impending violent attack that seeks to destroy a people, a nation, coexistence, humanity, peace, hope. We pay tribute to you today and always, knowing and reaffirming that the ability to celebrate our independence, our freedom, our very existence tomorrow is only possible because of your ultimate sacrifice past and present. Am Yisrael Chai. 🇮🇱
- erinschrode