Sirens blare nationwide every year on Israel’s Memorial Day, heralding a moment of silence to honor the Israelis who lost their lives from acts of terror and in wars past and present. Israelis pause what they are doing wherever they are and even stop their cars on highways. In a unique contrast, Israelis transition immediately from Memorial Day into celebrating Israel’s 77th anniversary the next day.
This year’s transition, however, is unbearable for the dozens of hostages still being held by Hamas, as well as their families, who endure an agonizing wait for their loved ones to be freed from Hamas captivity.
Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists recently released another propaganda clip of hostage Omri Miran, 48: “This is the second birthday that I’m going through here—I can’t say ‘celebrating’—in Hamas captivity. I haven’t been happy for a year and a half. I miss my daughters, my wife, and all my family and friends.”
His wife, Lishay, says: “Omri is a survivor in captivity; he’s a survivor in life. He has two daughters, Roni and Alma, who he has to stay strong for. I promise you that you will hear the word ‘Dad’ again.”
After murdering 1,200 people in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas and other Palestinian terrorists kidnapped 251 hostages that day and brought them into the Gaza Strip. Of the 59 remaining hostages, 24 are presumed to be alive.
Holocaust and Hamas survivors unite: ‘Standing firm against evil’
Holocaust survivors Irene Shashar and Gita Kaufman recently embraced former hostages Agam Berger and Ori Megidish at the gates of Auschwitz, the notorious Nazi death camp in Poland.
Irene asserted, “We beat the enemy, right, girls? We experienced horror, but despite everything, we are here, standing firm in the face of evil.” Ten former hostages joined Holocaust survivors at this year’s March of the Living memorial event in Poland. The march coincides with Israel’s Holocaust Remembrance Day (Yom Hashoah). Holocaust survivors, survivors of Oct. 7 and freed hostages sang Israel’s national anthem, “Hatikvah” (“The Hope”), together at Auschwitz.
Renowned Holocaust teacher Alex Dancyg, 75, was murdered by Hamas in captivity. The son of Holocaust survivors in Warsaw, he dedicated his life to educating younger generations about the 6 million Jews brutally slaughtered by the Nazis. Alex taught Jewish history to other Israelis held hostage with him in Gaza.
Memorial Day: Remembering civilians and soldiers
Memorial Day (Yom Hazikaron) is a painful reminder of the trauma suffered by those living in Gaza border communities, partying at the Nova music festival and serving in the Israeli Defense Forces on Oct. 7. The Hamas-led massacre killed more than 1,200 Israelis, including more than 800 civilians. The IDF still holds 350 bags of unidentified human remains. Since last year’s Memorial Day, 316 soldiers and 79 civilians have been killed, including two who recently died fighting in Gaza City.
Hamas terrorists targeted the IDF’s Home Front Command training base near Gaza. Courageous junior IDF officers and commanders, including many brave women, fiercely battled the attackers, prioritizing the lives of more than 100 vulnerable new recruits. These fighters, despite their limited combat experience, demonstrated exceptional heroism and quick thinking. Six of them, ranging in age from 19 to 23, tragically sacrificed their own lives to defend their base and ensure the safety of their trainees. Their valiant stand prevented Hamas from capturing the base and saved countless young soldiers from the deadly terrorist rampage.
Oct. 7 bravery: ‘The army is my mission’
Awakened at home by sirens on Oct. 7, IDF 2nd Lt. Avichail Reuven immediately took decisive action. Hearing of the terrorist infiltration, he resolved to help defend his nation. Unable to find transportation, he donned his drying uniform and ran eight strenuous miles to the Gaza border area: “It was difficult, running in a wet uniform, with sirens all the time and rockets falling in the area.”
He hitched rides until arriving at the besieged training base: “There was complete chaos. Half the base was burned. A lot of shouting, and you could see terrorists running all around the area.”
Avichail fought terrorists, secured bomb shelters holding young female soldiers, tended to the wounded and directed the trainees to defend their position. For hours, he bravely moved across the base, confronting the enemy and aiding his fellow soldiers, embodying unwavering courage in the face of terror. All this from a young soldier in officer training, the son of Ethiopian immigrants who was considered an at-risk youth who struggled to complete high school. He was honored by Israel’s prime minister at the U.S. Capitol last July and completed his officer training with distinction.
He remains committed to serving in the army for the long term: “I want to continue in the army. It’s my mission; it’s what I believe in.”
Civilians also stepped up to counter Hamas terrorists. The 13-member civil defense security team at Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak fought against dozens of terrorists, helping to prevent a significant number of casualties. Six of these brave fighters lost their lives.
Israel’s Independence Day: Celebration of hope and resilience
This year, Israel selected citizens to light torches to celebrate the modern Jewish state’s 77th anniversary. Released hostage Emily Damari, 28, lost fingers on Oct. 7 and was held in Hamas captivity for 471 painful days without proper treatment. The IDF chief of staff selected Lt. Col. Faiz Fares, a Druze commander who saved lives on Oct. 7, and Lt. Col. (res.) Hagit Alon-Elharar, who served in the reserves even after losing her son to a Hezbollah drone strike.
The hostage families advocate for the public to keep their loved ones at the center of Independence Day events. Lishay Miran said that “instead of celebrations, hold solidarity rallies. Make sure the yellow flags are raised everywhere. Read the names of the 59 hostages at every opportunity. We must not continue to celebrate as if we have complete independence.”
Hamas recently proposed a five-year ceasefire agreement in exchange for releasing the remaining hostages. The deal would allow Hamas to keep its weapons—in effect, a return to Oct. 6. Israel rejected this offer.
Israeli journalist Khaled Abu Toameh said, “Hamas wants to keep its weapons so that it could kill all Jews and continue to oppress Palestinians who dare to speak out against the terrorist group.” Iran continues to provide support to Hamas and the Iranian threat to the Jewish state’s very existence and the agony of the continuing war weigh heavily on Israeli hearts.
Points to consider:
- Never again is now.
The horrific events of Oct. 7 served as a brutal reminder that the hatred of Jews—antisemitism—remains a potent and deadly force. The savage attacks by Iranian-backed Hamas terrorists on Israelis and the abduction of hostages echo the historical persecution faced by the Jewish people. The courageous actions of Zionist activists around the world after the shocking attacks highlight the urgent need to confront and overcome this hatred in all its forms. The security of Israel is a vital defense against this enduring threat.
- A U.S. music festival glorified hate while ignoring terrorism.
The recent anti-Israel display at the Coachella music and arts festival in California presented a painful irony. Young adults were massacred by Hamas terrorists at the Nova music festival by Hamas terrorists on Oct. 7 for simply attending an event to celebrate life and music—the very essence of what Coachella represents for many. An Irish band projected a vicious message onstage that demonized Israel while ignoring, if not condoning, the attack that took so many lives. It demonstrated a dangerous moral blindness. This message contributes to spreading harmful narratives that decrease the chances of peaceful co-existence and could lead to more attacks against Jews in America.
- Israelis are resilient and maintain hope for a better future.
The spirit of the Israeli people remains strong despite enduring relentless threats and profound losses. Their resilience is evident in their immediate response to the Oct. 7 atrocities, unwavering support for the hostages and continued pursuit of daily life amid ongoing challenges. The inspiring stories of bravery and solidarity—and the hope expressed during national commemorations—show a deep commitment to building a more secure and peaceful future. Even in the face of hatred, the desire for a better tomorrow perseveres.
- Israel is the world’s only Jewish country.
Israel stands as the sole independent nation for the Jewish people, offering sanctuary and self-determination in a world marked by persistent hatred of Jews. After millennia of displacement and violence, the re-establishment of a Jewish homeland represented the realization of a profound historical aspiration for a secure future. It serves as a vibrant center for Jewish life, culture and innovation, while also being home to diverse communities. The deep and unbroken connection of the Jewish people to the Land of Israel underscores the fundamental importance of Israel’s existence.