Memorial Day will be different and more difficult for all of us, but we tell bereaved families - even today you are not alone • Israel's ambassador to the UN in a personal column

Every year, I commemorate the grave of my father, the late Joseph Danon, on the Memorial Day of Israeli Systems. My father is one of 23,816 Israeli systems' victims who gave their lives for the right of us all to live in peace and security in the Land of Israel.

Photo: GPO

My father, Joseph, was born in Alexandria as a firstborn to a family of nine, immigrated to Israel at the age of 10, and despite the lack and austerity in the passage where he grew up, connected to the landscapes of our country, knew every trail and settlement and became one of the best navigators in the cruiser. During a reserve service in the pursuit land in the Jordan Valley, he was severely injured in the head in a battle with terrorists, an injury that led to his death after a long struggle.

Fate and the anniversary of my father's death were celebrated every year near the State Memorial Day for IDF soldiers, and so each year personal and national memorials mingle together. As I accompany my mother to his grave with family and friends, young soldiers prepare for the state ceremony at the Kiryat Shaul cemetery While we are praying quietly, they place pennants and light memorial candles.

More on:

• Bereaved families visited their loved ones' graves: "It's tough, but health is more important than anything."

• "We will make a day of memory on a zoom. No hugs, no tears. How will I cope with the distress? I don't know."

• "Sign up for the #Connect_Order" venture

This year, due to the special circumstances, I will not be able to visit my father's grave on Memorial Day, I will not hear from his subsequent friends the same stories of the courage, determination and sense of humor that characterized him.

This year every widow, parent or sibling and every IDF orphan will share his memory with a loved one, will pass alone on photo albums and letter remains. This year's Memorial Day will be different, more difficult and challenging for all of us. As a nation that has sacrificed its finest sons, we have developed a unique ability to stand together over the years. In difficult moments and translating the concept of mutual guarantee into reality, the social gathering, the unifying rituals, always eases the sharp pain. 

Today, despite the special circumstances, despite the isolation forced upon us all on Memorial Day to Israel's fallen victims we say to the bereaved families loud and clear, even today you are not alone, today all Israel is one whole, painful and proud family.