This week, Israel commemorated Yom HaZikaron, the Day of Remembrance for the fallen soldiers of Israel and the victims of terrorism.
Since its rebirth in 1948, Israel has had to fight for its very survival. Brave men and women have paid the ultimate price so that the nation might live. Their sacrifice is not forgotten.
The enemies of Israel have long sought to erase the Jewish state from history. Thousands of years ago, the Scripture penned: “Come, let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more” (Psalm 83:4). Today, the enemies of Israel continue this futile pursuit. The defenders of Israel — the courageous men and women of the Israel Defense Forces — stand in the breach to ensure that day never comes.
Speaking on Yom HaZikaron, President Isaac Herzog spoke of an “Israeli covenant” which he said was a bond written in the blood of soldiers and victims of terror:
“This Israeli covenant rests on all our shoulders, in every possible sense. It obligates us to strengthen the bridges between us, to lower the divisions and flames of internal strife, and not to grant our enemies the gift of internal hatred. We must remember: our enemies do not distinguish between the blood of soldiers and civilians, between the blood of the elderly and children, women and men.”
October 7th was a tragic wake-up call to this reality. It was a brutal reminder that Israel must stand together, and that the Jewish people remain under threat simply for existing.
Since then, families across Israel have been showing their strength despite the hardships facing them. This year, more families will be grieving soldiers lost defending the homeland, civilians slaughtered in acts of unspeakable terror, and hostages whose families carry unbearable anguish.
In times like these, Israel often stands alone. That is why Christians around the world must rally to her side like never before. We must stand with Israel — and with the God of Israel. We must bring comfort and blessing to His people, and pray that the nation remains united in strength, courage, and faith.
May God bless Israel on this solemn day as they remember those they have lost. May He strengthen Israel’s defenders. As Scripture declares: “He trains my hands for battle; my fingers for war” (Psalm 144:1). May the Lord go before the IDF into battle and may God always shield His people, Israel.
