The numbers
On April 25, 2023: Israel honoured 24,213 men, women, and children who were killed in terrorist attacks and defense of the Land of Israel since 1860. That year, the first Jewish settlers left the secure walls of Jerusalem to build new Jewish neighbourhoods. The number of souls honoured rose by 59 from the previous year (2022).
May 13, 2024: The number of honoured souls rose to 25,034. That number went up by a staggering 760 soldiers, counting those who had died since October 7, 2023, defending the country (as well as another 61 disabled veterans who had died due to complications from injuries sustained during their service). Another 834 civilians were killed in terror attacks over the last year - most notably, Oct 7, 2023.
On October 7, 2023 and during the subsequent Swords of Iron War, 711 members of the security forces and 822 Israeli and foreign civilians were killed.
April 30, 2025: Today we honour 25,417 lives. That is an additional 383 Israeli lives lost, in defence of the State of Israel, since last year. This includes 79 civilians who have been killed since last year.
These are our sons, daughters, mothers, fathers, aunts, uncles, grandchildren, friends, and neighbours. Today, we stand tall to remember each and every one of their lives, recall the sacrifice they made for the Jewish people, and thank them.
The graves
To better remember, these are some photos I took on Mt. Herzl’s Military Cemetary on March 13, 2025. As you look at the photos, notice the date of birth of each of these soldiers, and the impact they made on the lives of others during their short time on this earth. There are three QR codes available (you will see them in the pictures) that you can scan to learn about the lives of the soldiers too.
May their memories forever be a blessing.
Am Yisrael Chai