April 28, 2025

The “Salute to the Fallen” Ceremony Was Held Today at Mount Herzl
The Salute to the Fallen of Israel’s wars and the placing of the national flag on the graves of Israel’s fallen was held today in the presence of the heads of the security organizations

IDF: The "Salute to the Fallen" ceremony, jointly organized by the IDF, the Ministry of Defense, and additional security organizations, during which the Israeli flag is placed on the graves of Israel’s fallen soldiers, was held today (Monday) at the National Memorial Hall at Mount Herzl. As every year, the ceremony and the placement of flags on the graves of the fallen open the Memorial Day events.

The goal of the "Salute to the Fallen" initiative, held for over 20 years, is to recognize and honor the fallen who gave their lives to defend the State of Israel and its citizens.

From the conclusion of the ceremony at Mount Herzl until the beginning of the Memorial Day for the fallen IDF soldiers and the fallen of Israel’s wars, a national flag, a flower, and a memorial candle will be placed on the grave of each fallen individual.

The ceremony was held in the presence of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir, the Commissioner of the Israel Police, Daniel Levy, the Head of the Mossad, Mr. David Barnea, the Director of the ISA, Mr. Ronen Bar, the Commissioner of the Israel Prison Service, Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi, the Commissioner of Fire and Rescue Services, Fire Commissioner Eyal Casspi, the Deputy Director General and Head of the Families, Commemoration and Heritage Division at the Ministry of Defense, Mr. Arie Muallem, the Chairman of the "Yad Labanim" Organization, Mr. Eli Ben Shem, and the Chairwoman of the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization, Mrs. Zehava Gross-Midan.

From the remarks of the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Eyal Zamir:
"In this hall, surrounded by the names of the fallen engraved around us, we stand today, all together, remembering together.
Dear bereaved families, their spirit is still felt amongst us and echoes around us.
The mandate left to us by your beloved ones is a spirit of heroism, of love of the land, of devotion, of responsibility until the end.
IDF soldiers and commanders pledge to stand by you and to strengthen you in the journey of mourning and grief you are walking.
We are determined to continue the path of your loved ones, guided by the values of camaraderie, responsibility, devotion, and heroism.
These times, between remembrance and revival, are days of soul-searching.
In the midst of a complex and challenging period, when emotions are high, it is our duty in the IDF to serve as a compass, to chart the way and act constantly, tirelessly, and with a sense of integrity, for the sake of unity, cohesion, and victory.
The Israel Defense Forces will continue to be the people's army; therein lies our strength.
In times of turmoil, the IDF will serve as a stable anchor, a secure base, and a source of trust for all of us."

From the remarks of the Commissioner of the Israel Police, Commissioner Danny Levy:
"In the Swords of Iron War, we once again stood as a fortified wall against our enemies.
The Israel Police officers and members, along with all security forces, and the volunteers of the Rapid Response Teams, operated in various arenas, shoulder to shoulder, with determination and courage, defending the citizens of the state with their bodies.
71 officers and members fell in this harsh war.
71 heroes, each of whom embodies a world of values, mission, and love of the land.
Their names, like the names of all the fallen of Israel’s wars, join this hall, adding another layer of devotion and sacrifice."

From the remarks of the Deputy Director General and Head of the Families, Commemoration and Heritage Division at the Ministry of Defense, Mr. Arie Muallem:
"Here at the Memorial Hall, these names are not the names of the fallen — these sacred names are the names of builders, builders of the land.
Thanks to them, the foundations for what we call the State of Israel were laid.
We are not gathering only to grieve.
We gather to commit.
Commit to be worthy.
Commit to live here — not only as a right, but as a duty.
To live in this land with dignity, responsibility, and unity.
Remembering once a year is not enough — a living presence of the fallen is required in the life of the nation throughout the year."