Israel Memorial Day: This Is What I'll Be Thinking About

On Sunday evening and Monday morning, sirens will sound throughout Israel, signaling Israel's Memorial Day, Yom Hazikaron.

Traffic will come to a halt, as our entire nation stops for silent contemplation.

Since October 7th, more than 600 soldiers and 800 civilians have been killed battling Hamas and in terror attacks. This is the deadliest year for Israelis since the Yom Kippur War, 50 years ago.

Here are three things I will be thinking at this solemn time:

1. Each victim is an entire world.

Thousands of families are shattered, never to see their loved one again. As the siren sounds, I will think of the parents who lovingly raised their child. The widows who lost their life partner. And the orphans who will grow up without the love, attention and guidance of their parent. The bereaved siblings, cousins and friends.

Israel is a small country. The Jewish people are one family. We share one another’s pain and all mourn together.

As the siren sounds, I will pray for the hostages languishing in the hell-tunnels of Gaza.

As the siren sounds, I will pray for the thousands of wounded.

And I will pray that this empathy helps to heal our divisions and unite the Jewish people.

2. The significance of being attacked for “being Jewish.”

Jews in Israel – and around the world – are being attacked for simply “being Jewish.” When a Jew is killed or suffers simply for being Jewish, the uniqueness of our nation is underscored and leaves an indelible mark on history.

A Jew must never be ashamed. The Jewish mission is to act in a manner which causes others to appreciate the values and importance of God and Judaism.

During the Holocaust, a Jew was being sadistically beaten by a Nazi guard who scoffed and sneered, “How do you like being a Jew!” The Jew looked up proudly and said, “I’d rather be in my position than yours.”

As the siren sounds, I will hold my head high with the pride of being Jewish.

3. Know what you’re living for.

The soldiers currently defending Israel in the treacherous terrain of Gaza, or guarding the northern border against Hezbollah, are putting their comfort, career and – if necessary – even their life on the line to protect the Jewish people.

In 1973, as the Yom Kippur War raged, Rabbi Chaim Shmuelevitz of Jerusalem’s Mir Yeshiva declared: “Regarding those who are giving their lives to save us, no one in the world can come close to their greatness.”

Rabbi Noah Weinberg, dean and founder of Aish, often said, “If you don't know what you are willing to die for, you haven't really begun to live.” Then he would add, “Don’t just die for it; live for it!”

If you’re willing to risk your life to defend the Jewish People and Jewish values, then proactively and passionately live for them. Stand up for the Jewish People. Appreciate the beauty, joy and wisdom of being Jewish. That is being truly alive.

IDF soldier Ben Zussman was killed in Gaza and wrote a letter to his family before entering battle: "I am happy and grateful for the privilege to protect our beautiful land and the people of Israel. Even if something happens to me... I am full of pride and a sense of mission."

As the siren sounds, I will feel profound appreciation and admiration for the pride and dedication of those fighting in the trenches.

As the siren sounds, I will pray that these soldiers appreciate the importance of the eternal Jewish mission as a light unto the nations.

And I will pray to be worthy of the sacrifices they make to defend our Jewish values, so vital to the ethical and spiritual health of humanity.

Am Yisrael Chai.