In a special initiative as part of its mission to deepen the increasingly crucial partnership between Israel and world Jewry, the Jewish Agency for Israel organized a group of 90 Israel Defense Forces soldiers who have fought on the southern and northern fronts to participate in Israel’s Memorial Day (Yom Hazikaron) and Independence Day (Yom Ha’atzmaut) ceremonies across the globe.
Amid the Iron Swords War and the ongoing aftermath of the Oct. 7 Hamas massacre, the Shlichim in Uniform project reflects Jewish Agency chairman Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog’s vision to bring the heroic stories of IDF soldiers directly to communities around the world.
“Especially now, with the rising tide of antisemitism worldwide and the wave of hatred on college campuses, it is important to share the story of young Israelis who have been at the forefront of defending the world’s only Jewish state since Oct. 7,” Almog said. “We sent these brave women and men off to embrace our brothers and sisters overseas, and to bring the story of Israel’s heroism to their communities.”
The 90 IDF soldiers and officers who joined the Jewish Agency’s initiative for Israel’s 76th anniversary took part in ceremonies in dozens of communities across North America, Europe and Latin America. At these events, soldiers shared their personal experiences from the war and the broader story of Israel during the past seven months.
The Jewish Agency worked in close cooperation with the IDF and the Ministry of Defense in establishing the “Shlichim in Uniform” initiative.
“Despite the difficulty of not being in Israel on Memorial Day this year, I think it is an important responsibility to tell my story and bring us closer to the global Jewish community,” said Lia, a program participant whose full name was withheld for security purposes and who is from Kibbutz Be’eri. She had four family members murdered on Oct. 7. “Our strength as a Jewish people is to stay united. That’s what will enable us to prevail.”
Lt. Col. (res.) Nir, whose son was killed on Oct. 7, said “understanding that my son will not return, I chose to go back to my battalion and serve in the reserves for the sake of the country. The story I bring to Jewish communities is my personal story and the story of my son. As I will mourn my son for the rest of my life, what is important at this moment is to put aside the personal pain and support the well-being of our country and our people, and to triumph together.”
