Har (Mt.) Herzl - Israel's fallen heroes
"Today I was up on Mt. Herzl where the graves of those that fell in the War of Independence are. What a pity that every now and then after some border skirmish they have to make use of this place. But one thing is for sure they haven’t died in vain."
August 20, 1957
"First we went through the Jerusalem Corridor where we saw burned armed trucks that were left as monuments from the War of Liberation in 1948."
July 23, 1957
David's Comments
"The Land of Israel is acquired through suffering"
ארץ ישראל נקנית ביסורים
(Talmud Berachot 5)
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What Sacrifices Were Made to Establish a Jewish State?
Approximately 6,000 Jews died in the War of Independence in 1948, which was one percent of the population. Almost everybody in Israel lost a loved one. A memorial was built in Mount Herzl in Jerusalem for the fallen soldiers.
According to the Israel Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the number of Israel's casualties of war stand at 23,816 as of April 2020.
How does one pass on this message of sacrifice?
When I was five years old, I remember visiting Israel for the first time in 1970 with my family. I specifically remember my dad talking about the battles to capture Jerusalem. He stopped the car and showed us the burned trucks from the War of Independence in 1948. This horrific scene was at the battle of the Jerusalem Corridor. Every Yom HaZikaron (Israel Memorial Day) the “Bab el-Wad” song is sung in memory of those who fell in this battle.
People view Israel today as "Goliath" and forget how many died in the various wars and terrorist attacks. Jews routinely pray at the Kotel, but forget how many died to capture the Old City in the 1967 War. I was taught to never take for granted how people sacrificed themselves for the land of Israel, and I am proud to have joined the Israeli army, even though I grew up in the United States.
Never forget – What does it mean for us today?
Just remembering the fallen heroes is not enough. Each one of us, no matter where we live needs to support a strong Israel and a strong Israeli Army. Belief in G-d and not succumbing to world pressure will ensure the protection and survival of the Jewish State.
1957 vs today
In 1957, eXXXXX
Today, oSSSSSSS
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