Herzog: ‘We will not rest or be silent’ until our hostages return home

Addressing an Independence Day ceremony honoring outstanding IDF soldiers, President Isaac Herzog says celebrations this year are mixed with grief and sorrow.

“This year, we mark a different Independence Day,” he says. “We are proud of our independence, of the miracle that is the State of Israel, but our hearts are full of sorrow and pain.”

Herzog reiterates that there is “no greater commandment than redeeming captives, and as I said we need to act with courage. We need to choose life. We will not rest or be silent. We will not rest or be silent – until our sons and daughters return home to their borders.”

The president says he debated whether to hold this year’s ceremony amid “so much pain, mourning, so much concern for hostages and soldiers, so much sorrow and grief.” However, he says, he believes he made the “right decision” to honor the 120 IDF soldiers recognized as outstanding this year.

“You are 120 beacons of light. 120 sources of comfort. 120 sources of hope. Your bravery, excellence, determination, you comradery and love for the people, nation, and homeland are the source of our strength and inspiration,” he says. “You lift the spirit of the people, and the whole nation salutes you.”