מגש הכסף

The number is unbearable.

Since October 7th, 2023, we have added 718 soldiers, police officers, and national security forces, as well as 811 civilian victims of terror, to this year’s Yom HaZikaron remembrance. Deep sadness is felt throughout our country and, indeed, throughout the Jewish world as we remember the names and stories of those who made the ultimate sacrifice for our Jewish homeland.

And we are still missing 132 hostages being held in Gaza for 220 days.

While those mourning loved ones don’t need Yom HaZikaron to remind them of their loss—a burden they carry daily—the agony of a nation was palpably expressed at 11 AM this morning in Israel. As the sirens blared, we stood in silence for two minutes, remembering 25,040 fathers, mothers, sons, and daughters who had fallen since the War of Independence in 1948.

Just yesterday, we dedicated a migonit—a protective shelter at Kibbutz Lahav in the Negev, in memory of Montrealer Alexandre Look z”l, who was murdered by the hands of Hamas on October 7th. This was an initiative of GenMTL Philanthropy—our young adults who raised funds to purchase four protective shelters in his memory. Like so many others on that fateful day, Alex was a hero, saving the lives of others by making the ultimate sacrifice.

The story of Alex is the story of so many here in Israel and across the Jewish world, both on and since October 7th. These stories of heroism and resilience have reaffirmed our strength as a nation, even in our darkest hours.

Saturday night, Israeli singer Eden Golan represented Israel at Eurovision. Despite facing unimaginable hate and antisemitism in the streets of Malmö, Sweden, and requiring a security detail akin to that of the Prime Minister of Israel, Eden was undeterred. Even while being “booed” on stage, she embodied the unbreakable spirit and resilience of the Jewish people through her performance. And while the cowardly European countries were too scared to award her the points she had so rightly earned, the people of Europe made their voices heard, giving her the second-highest number of votes in the popular vote. And while Eden did not win Eurovision, her strength, perseverance, and resilience symbolize Israel today.

In the face of unbearable sadness and a world that has forgotten why and how we got here, there is a sense of resilience and strength in Israel that is beyond words. Countless heroes have emerged, everyday citizens who have mobilized to ensure that Israel remains strong despite unthinkable adversity.

מגש הכסף – "the silver platter” on which the State of Israel exists is composed of the stories of countless heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice to ensure we have a Jewish homeland. Yisrael Suissa z"l, a brave IDF paratrooper and lone soldier from Montreal, epitomizes such heroism. He died in a tragic accident while on leave after serving over 100 days in Gaza. Despite the safety of being away from the front lines, his loss during a brief moment of peace underscores the continuous sacrifice demanded even in times of calm.

Yisrael's story echoes that of many who have paid the ultimate price, including Jason (Yehoshua) Friedberg z”l. Like Yisrael, Jason's commitment during perilous times vividly illustrates the heavy costs of securing our homeland. A graduate of Herzliah High School in Montreal, Jason made Aliyah in 1993 at the height of the first Gulf War, as Scud missiles were raining down on Israel from Iraq. When he arrived in Israel, he was asked why he was making Aliyah at such a tumultuous time. Without hesitation, he answered, “When your house is on fire, you don’t run away from it; you run towards it.” Jason was murdered by terrorists 31 years ago as he was returning to his army base. As a lone soldier, he is buried at the national memorial for fallen soldiers at Mount Herzl. Jason and Yisrael both remain a symbol of the resilience and courage that define our nation.

As we begin the transition from Yom HaZikaron to Yom Ha’atzmaut, celebrating Israel’s independence, let us never forget the 25,040 heroes of Israel who fell to secure our one and only Jewish homeland. Their message resonates deeply with us as we stand proudly as a nation on a “silver platter” – united, strong, and resilient. Their sacrifice has given us the opportunity and responsibility to live a proud and free Jewish life in Israel and throughout the world.

May their memory be forever a blessing.

Am Israel Chai.

Yair Szlak

President and Chief Executive Officer,

Federation CJA