IDF Must Stand Between the Nation and Its Enemies
During Israel’s Memorial Day ceremony on Mount Herzl, Defense Minister Israel Katz declared that the central takeaway from the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre is the need for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to remain the unwavering shield between Israel and its adversaries.
“Our hearts go out to the fallen, their families, and the wounded,” Katz said solemnly. “We are committed to a decisive and uncompromising victory—whether in Gaza, Southern Lebanon, or northern Samaria. We will respond to any threat.”
The ceremony, attended by President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other top officials, included a two-minute nationwide siren at 11 a.m., halting the country in remembrance of the 25,420 military personnel lost since 1860. A symbolic Israeli Air Force flyover paid tribute to the fallen.
Katz commended the soldiers actively engaged in combat and honored Chief Inspector Arnon Zmora, who was killed during a daring operation to rescue hostages held by Hamas.
As the day continued, another ceremony at 1 p.m. was scheduled to honor victims of terrorism, reinforcing a national message of resilience, remembrance, and unity.
IDF Strikes Syrian Militants Threatening Druze Community
The Israeli military launched a precision strike against a militant group in Syria on Wednesday, targeting extremists allegedly planning attacks on the Druze community near Damascus.
The Israeli Prime Minister’s Office confirmed the operation, stating, “Israel will not allow any harm to come to the Druze community in Syria.” The strike served as a warning to Syria’s Islamist-led government, which Jerusalem has urged to prevent further violence against the country’s Druze minority.
The statement emphasized Israel’s deep-rooted bond with its own Druze citizens—many of whom have served in the IDF—and extended solidarity to their relatives across the border. Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers, which also commemorates fallen Druze servicemen, added further emotional weight to the government’s actions.
Spiritual leader Sheikh Muwaffaq Tarif appealed earlier in the day for Israel and the international community to step in, as violence escalated around Druze villages in the Damascus suburbs. In a passionate plea, he warned that failure to act could result in a massacre.
Protests broke out in northern Israel as Druze citizens blocked roads, demanding intervention. Government officials, including Ministers Meir Porush and Eli Cohen, reassured the community that Israel would not remain passive in the face of threats to their brethren abroad.
Tensions in Syria have soared since sectarian clashes erupted following the spread of an inflammatory audio recording, allegedly made by a Druze man. These clashes have left dozens dead.
The recent rise in violence follows earlier warnings by Prime Minister Netanyahu and Defense Minister Katz. In March, they publicly vowed that Israel would act decisively if the new Islamist regime in Syria—led by former Al-Qaeda figure Ahmed Al-Shara’a—targeted the Druze.
Jerusalem Honors Lone Soldiers Lost in October 7 Invasion
A heartfelt ceremony was held Tuesday evening at the Jerusalem Theater to commemorate 43 lone soldiers who perished during the October 7 Hamas attack and the war that followed.
Lone soldiers—those serving in the IDF without immediate family in Israel—often hail from abroad, driven by deep convictions to protect the Jewish state. This year’s Yom HaZikaron event honored their sacrifice and the global unity they represent.
The bilingual ceremony, conducted in Hebrew and English, was organized by several support groups, including Nefesh B’Nefesh, the Lone Soldier Center, and Tzofim Garin Tzabar, in collaboration with the Jerusalem Municipality.
Among the attendees were Brig. Gen. Samuel Bomandil, families of fallen soldiers from the U.S., U.K., Ghana, and France, and representatives of support networks that assist lone soldiers during and after their service.
A special prayer was offered for Edan Alexander, who remains in Hamas captivity, and for the return of Omar Neutra’s body. Both are lone soldiers whose fates underscore the personal cost of war.
The event was both solemn and unifying, highlighting the enduring commitment of young people from around the world who choose to defend Israel—even when doing so means standing alone.
