IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir spoke during Israel’s National Remembrance Day ceremony on Monday, calling on all sectors of Israeli society to serve in the IDF, a clear summons to the haredi (ultra-Orthodox) sector to join the military in larger numbers.
Israel’s National Remembrance Day ceremony honoring fallen IDF soldiers and victims of terror was held that evening at the Western Wall, following a siren that sounded across the country indicating a moment of silence.
A total of 25,648 Israelis have fallen in service since 1860; 172 were killed since last Remembrance Day. There have been 79 terror victims in the last 12 months.
In his address, Zamir talked about fulfilling the promise of a flourishing and secure State of Israel for current citizens, their children, and grandchildren.
In order “to achieve this vision, we must all as a nation, from all sectors of the nation, be deep partners in the mission of security and carry the burden” together, in a clear reference to the ultra-Orthodox.
Although after the October 7 massacre, there has been a massive push to get the haredi sector to serve in the IDF in larger numbers, and the military has built several special haredi-tailored tracks, the haredi political parties have continued to threaten to topple the government if it passes any bill that would increase haredi service in any significant numbers in the coming years.
In fact, the haredi parties have repeatedly threatened to topple the government if it would not pass a bill that slightly increases, but largely exempts, the haredi sector from serving.
Zamir noted that the IDF has fought a climactic war with Iran to remove the existential threats the Islamic regime can pose, as well as wars against Hamas, Hezbollah, and moves to secure the border with Syria.
In many other public appearances, he has made it clear that all of these longer fights and border security moves require a huge influx of new soldiers, with the haredi sector being the main untapped sector to date.
'The past year has tested us in every arena'
Zamir also shared the story of Capt. Daniel Peretz’s team, who, on the morning of October 7, fought against Hamas terrorists, “fully understanding they were the last line of defense between the murderers and civilians.”
“The fighters of ‘Team Peretz’ symbolize a generation that answers the call to stand without hesitation. This call has accompanied our fighters since the dawn of the state. It beats in the hearts of our soldiers, men and women, to this day,” Zamir said.
“This sacred day is another moment in the long continuum in which we carry with you the pain of loss. A pain that intensifies in the face of life’s force,” he continued.
Zamir affirmed that the IDF would continue to stand beside the soldiers wounded in battle, and offered his condolences to the families of the bereaved.
“The past year has tested us in every arena,” he said. “We stood as a defensive wall and struck those who sought to destroy us with a long arm that reaches everywhere.”
“Here, at the foot of the Western Wall, we remember all the fallen and the command they left us: to stand together, for the security of the people and the peace of the land. A command that passes from fighter to fighter, defending our people, remembering the fallen, and ensuring the eternity of Israel."
'We do not live by our sword, but alongside it'
President Isaac Herzog gave an address following the opening torch lighting, which began with the story of Maj. (res.) Dr. Eitan Menachem Neeman, a physician and reservist who was killed in combat near Sderot on October 9 after confronting terrorists.
Herzog recounted Neeman’s actions both as a pediatric intensive care doctor at Soroka Medical Center and as a soldier who “charged forward” during a terrorist encounter. He noted that Neeman died while holding a live grenade thrown toward his unit, an act described as emblematic of his bravery.
“We do not live by our sword, but alongside it. We will grasp it in times of need, such as now, with one hand, and the sword will be sharp and resolute. But the spirit will always be, and must be, mighty and rooted in our other hand,” Herzog said.
“War is a fateful time, a national test, and as a nation we are meeting it with extraordinary strength, and will continue to meet it with determination and resolve, through all the unbearable pain,” Herzog said.
He extended gratitude to IDF soldiers, security personnel, and emergency responders, while expressing support for the wounded and bereaved families. The address emphasized that the entire nation stands behind those serving on the front lines.
“I wish to thank all those who serve in the security forces, emergency services, rescue teams, and supporting organizations, and to wish a full and speedy recovery to all those wounded in body and soul, in this campaign and in all of Israel's wars. I embrace them and their families."