Speaking at the national memorial ceremony for fallen soldiers on Mount Herzl military cemetery on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu mourned the loss of those who gave their lives in defense of the Jewish state.

“Our enemies must know they will not break us,” the prime minister stated, quoting a widow who spoke at the Knesset’s memorial ceremony on Tuesday.

Standing with other dignitaries, families of fallen soldiers and current IDF soldiers, the prime minister bowed his head in silence along with millions of others across Israel as a minute-long siren rang around the country at 11 am.

The traditional memorial siren brought the entire country to a standstill in memory of the 23,320 soldiers and terror victims who fell in war or conflict.

The prime minister urged Israelis to appreciate the meaning of the nation’s loss on Yom Hazikaron and called for unity among all Israelis, regardless of religion and race.

“We are one family: Jews and our non-Jewish brothers — Druze, Muslims, Bedouins, Christians, Circassians,” he said.

Echoing comments made the previous day by Israeli President Reuven Rivlin, Netanyahu made clear that Israel is working hard to prevent war and conflict. “Anyone who has experienced the anguish of bereavement is not eager to go to battle,” he said.

Speaking personally on the agonizing death of his brother Yoni, who was killed 39 years ago in the Entebbe raid, the prime minister said he will never forget his parents screams of agony when they were informed of their son’s death.

“We express gratitude for everything we have earned, for the wonder of our sovereignty, the gift of freedom, the miracle of our renewal,” Netanyahu added.