Fallen soldiers

'My brother took his life': Suicide on Yom Hazikaron

Jacob Ness shares the heartbreaking story of his brother Josh's suicide, revealing the hidden struggles with mental health that no one saw coming. A powerful reflection on grief, family, and loss.

Joshua Ness, Jacob Ness's younger brother, took his own life at age 18 in 2019.
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir attends the funeral of Israeli soldier Hadar Goldin, who's body had been held captive by Hamas in Gaza since 2014 and released a few days ago, at the Kfar Saba military cemetery. November 11, 2025.

‘Their legacy commands us’: IDF chief marks Remembrance Day with call for unity, resolve

Memorial ceremony on Har Herzl in Jerusalem, Israel. April 19, 2026.

From grief to action: Ensuring the sacrifices of Israel’s fallen are not in vain - editorial

Defense Minister Israel Katz places a wreath at a memorial for fallen IDF soldiers.

At least 170 soldiers killed, 54 disabled due to war over past year, Defense Ministry reports


Herzog vows Israel will never stop searching for Ron Arad at missing soldiers memorial

Speaking at the ceremony, Herzog quoted Russian-Israeli poet Nathan Alterman’s “The Third,” an emotional poem about a mother whose son’s body was lost.

President Isaac Herzog hosts bereaved families in the President's Residence, Jerusalem, February 15, 2026; illustrative.

In Jerusalem, a Bat Mitzvah celebration honors fatherless girls – and a long-term promise

At Colel Chabad’s annual 22 Shevat event, daughters of widows mark a milestone with music and joy, as organizers stress a commitment that extends far beyond a single day.

Daughters of widows celebrate their bat-mitzvah at Chabad’s annual 22 Shevat event

Israeli soldier St.-Sgt. Ofri Yafe killed by friendly fire in southern Gaza, IDF says

According to Israeli media, Yafe was hit by friendly fire during a nighttime operation by paratrooper forces in Khan Yunis on Tuesday night.

St.-Sgt. Ofri Yafe.

The debt that never closes

The debt we owe the fallen is carried by those they left behind. Paying it fully is not charity, it is at the core of our nation’s moral and mutual responsibility.

Shlomi Nahumson, CEO of the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization

YASAR heroes: The IDF unit that found and identified Ran Gvili

MILITARY AFFAIRS: A hero shows up when there is no applause, and the work is heavy, unseen, and costly, a description embodied by IDF soldiers whose job is to search, identify, and return the dead.

THE MACABRE job of finding the body of the last hostage, Ran Gvili, required the unearthing of 250 bodies and the assistance of embedded forensic dental specialists. Here, IDF soldiers stand alongside Gvili’s body after its discovery in Gaza this week.

Extreme joy: A father’s mission to carry his son’s light forward

Happiness is not the result of unity. Happiness creates unity," says Amichai Ressler, as he continues on his journey to make sure his son's legacy goes on.

Sergeant Dvir Haim Ressler z"l.

New law expands rights for IDF widows & orphans

After years of advocacy, new legislation broadens recognition, financial support, and rehabilitation frameworks for widows, orphans, and families of fallen soldiers.

Shlomi Nahumson, CEO of the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization

'False and ungrateful': Biden envoy Hochstein slams Netanyahu’s claim US embargo killed IDF troops

Netanyahu’s remarks were “not only decidedly false but also ungrateful to a US President and American people who saved Israel repeatedly at their most vulnerable moments,” Hochstein said.

Amos Hochstein, Managing Partner, TWG Global speaks onstage during the Semafor World Economy Summit Fall Edition at Gallup HQ on October 16, 2025 in Washington, DC.

IDF Menashe Brigade reservist dies from wounds sustained in Gaza fighting

The IDF said that Master Sergeant (res.) Asael Babad, 38, was severely injured during combat in Rafah on October 19 of last year.

Sergeant-Major (res.) Asael Babad.

Voices of October 7: Ben Zussman z”l final words

"If you’re reading it now, it means something has happened to me. But as you know, I’m probably the happiest I’ve ever been."

First Funeral, 2023