April 29, 2025
Letter from the Head of the Personnel Directorate Honouring the Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel’s Wars and the Victims of Terrorism as well as for Israel’s Independence Day 2025
Amidst all the immense pain and grief, for me it somewhat works contrary to logic - with each passing day, I remember a little less.
As a commander, I have often feared the emotionally charged encounters with bereaved families,
not only on Memorial Days but also on 'ordinary days', at funerals and memorial services.
Today, with the passing of years, I feel the need to share with others,
the important life lessons I have learned from them.
Do not fear, it does not have to be a conversation. It’s enough to be with them in their pain, even in silence.
Stand alongside the families; stand silently by their side,
they know we cannot bring them back,
they only wish for us to listen, to know, to speak about them within the unit, and to remember them.
The words spoken and the ones left unspoken have a scent, have a sound, a rhythm, and a heartbeat,
they have taste, hue, and at times they sting, evoking feelings and thoughts.
Today the world is reborn — today we remember — today we pledge.
Remember, to muster the courage, and to stand together with the pain of this entire nation.
Remember, those who went out to battle and did not return, there are none like them, none can compare.
Remember, that the pain will never pass, and that time will neither ease nor heal.
Remember, the searing pain of the terrible failure on that day, on Simchat Torah.
Remember, the fallen during their service and in the fulfillment of their duties, their bravery, sacrifice, and heroism.
Remember, to express gratitude for the tremendous privilege of fighting alongside such a remarkable generation.
Remember, the duty to be worthy of them and to renew the oath every single day.
Remember, the deepening heartbreak and the home that continues to burn.
Remember, the unbearable pain that pierces more fiercely with each passing year.
Remember, the righteousness of our path, and to pledge that what was, will be no more.
Remember, that more than anything else, as long as we have not returned our hostages, we are not whole—we are an incomplete nation!
On this day, I am overwhelmed by longing—for their faces, their way of speaking and their smiles.
I light a candle in memory of their path and legacy.
My brothers and friends, commanders, soldiers and staff,
we will continue in their name, until victory.
United.
In the camaraderie of soldiers and bonds of brotherhood.
As a commander, I have often feared the emotionally charged encounters with bereaved families,
not only on Memorial Days but also on 'ordinary days', at funerals and memorial services.
Today, with the passing of years, I feel the need to share with others,
the important life lessons I have learned from them.
Do not fear, it does not have to be a conversation. It’s enough to be with them in their pain, even in silence.
Stand alongside the families; stand silently by their side,
they know we cannot bring them back,
they only wish for us to listen, to know, to speak about them within the unit, and to remember them.
The words spoken and the ones left unspoken have a scent, have a sound, a rhythm, and a heartbeat,
they have taste, hue, and at times they sting, evoking feelings and thoughts.
Today the world is reborn — today we remember — today we pledge.
Remember, to muster the courage, and to stand together with the pain of this entire nation.
Remember, those who went out to battle and did not return, there are none like them, none can compare.
Remember, that the pain will never pass, and that time will neither ease nor heal.
Remember, the searing pain of the terrible failure on that day, on Simchat Torah.
Remember, the fallen during their service and in the fulfillment of their duties, their bravery, sacrifice, and heroism.
Remember, to express gratitude for the tremendous privilege of fighting alongside such a remarkable generation.
Remember, the duty to be worthy of them and to renew the oath every single day.
Remember, the deepening heartbreak and the home that continues to burn.
Remember, the unbearable pain that pierces more fiercely with each passing year.
Remember, the righteousness of our path, and to pledge that what was, will be no more.
Remember, that more than anything else, as long as we have not returned our hostages, we are not whole—we are an incomplete nation!
On this day, I am overwhelmed by longing—for their faces, their way of speaking and their smiles.
I light a candle in memory of their path and legacy.
My brothers and friends, commanders, soldiers and staff,
we will continue in their name, until victory.
United.
In the camaraderie of soldiers and bonds of brotherhood.
Yours Truly,
Head of the Personnel Directorate
MG Dado Bar Kalifa
April 2025
Head of the Personnel Directorate
MG Dado Bar Kalifa
April 2025
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