IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kohavi offers a message to bereaved families during his address at the Western Wall Memorial Day ceremony.
“The vast majority of families in the State of Israel waited for their children to descend the mountain, and received them with a hug at the end of their military service, but you waited in vain. Some of you are still waiting,” Kohavi says.
“They will not return. They will not return, but thanks to them, many have returned. Thanks to them, the lives of tens of thousands of citizens have been saved, and a large part of the security and achievements of the state is due to them.”
“Your pain is unbearable. The grief is oppressive, branching out in body and mind. It is present and does not rest for a moment, cruelly overcoming Sabbaths, holidays and birthdays.”
“The entire IDF and I at its head bow our heads out of sympathy, deep sorrow, and appreciation for your resilience,” Kohavi says.
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From the Liveblog of
Tuesday, May 3, 2022
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