“I did not know you well
And the strong spirit was always the same
And now I don’t know if you are feeling good or bad
Where are you? What is happening to you?”

Tirza Atar

Memorial Day for Israel’s Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terrorism, is a day on which all the citizens of Israel put aside their differences, and wrap themselves in the same feeling of brotherly love, of walking together towards the future, and remembering the past. The entire country embraces the bereaved families, and shares their pain. Through the years, this publication has become an expression of the longing of children for their parents, and of women for those they loved. The poems, letters, and personal prayers are a unique window to a world of love diluted by sorrow wider than the ocean. 
 

This time of year on the Israeli calendar always brings forth mixed feelings of sorrow and hope. Memorial Day and Independence Day follow one right after the other, as a painful reminder of the price we have to pay as a country. “And what will they say to the child who wants to see his father?” asks one of the writers in the last issue. It’s a difficult question with no answer. With clear moral consciousness, we can only look into the child’s eyes and say, “He protected us.” The fallen soldiers sacrificed their lives for us, and we are asking to carry the burden of loss together with their families – together with you.

The grief of bereavement is like a perpetual compass, which makes sure we turn over every stone of opportunity on the path to peace. “All of this is not a fable and not a dream, it’s as real as the light at noon,” wrote Naomi Shemer, as she promised that oranges would replace weapons. We strive to take advantage of every possibility for peace, no matter how small, so that the State of Israel will be able to realize its dream. I promise you that we are doing everything we can so that we will no longer know the sorrow of loss.
 
During the difficult hours of longing and out of a deep feeling of pain, together with the citizens of Israel, we bow our heads with you and embrace you.