Since our lives have changed beyond recognition, with the horrors of the horrific massacre of Hamas terrorists on 7 October and the outbreak of an iron sword war, our best brave fighters have been laid to rest on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem. One by one, the flowers of our hearts wilt on the mountain of tears where our heroes, who sacrificed their lives for us, are buried.
Lieutenant Netanel Menachem Eitan was laid to rest on Mount Herzl // Photo: Yoni Rikner
In all my many years as a journalist, I have never experienced a terrible and heartbreaking sequence of funerals, as I have been covering for the past two months on Mount Herzl. Almost every day the funeral of a fallen warrior. Pain torments the soul. The sounds of devastation and crying of the bereaved families are etched in my heart and shake my soul.
The funeral of Capt. Kfir Yitzhak Franco z"l on Mount Herzl, photo: Oren Ben Hakon
I was especially struck by that Sunday, November 12, when I attended four military funerals on Mount of Grief and Heroism. Many thousands came to pay their respects to the fallen, in gloomy and strengthening silence, filling the paths leading to the grave plots. Like partners in carrying the families' bereavement stretcher, embracing warmly, on behalf of all the people of Israel.
On Mount Herzl, it is clear that faith in G-d and in the righteousness of our path still beats fiercely, giving hope and anticipation to better days of peace and happiness in our land
Alongside the heartbreaking loss of the bereaved families, many of the eulogizers showed empowering and formative greatness at the most difficult moment in their lives. Bereaved parents, brothers and sisters cried out in a voice choked with tears over the graves of their loved ones for unity among the people of Israel. They asked from the depths of their souls to continue the fighting until the IDF won over our enemies. mourn their fallen loved ones with unparalleled dedication in defending our one and only country.
Sergeant Major Ben Zussman's family during his funeral on Mount Herzl, Photo: Arie Leib Abrams/Flash90
We are going through difficult days. But haunting grief. Too many coffins of our fighters, draped in the Israeli flag, are brought in honor for a final rest. But on Mount Herzl it is clear that faith in G-d and in the righteousness of our path still beats fiercely, giving hope and anticipation to better days of peace and happiness in our land.
May it be thanks to our fallen warriors that we may live safe in our land, with their memory in our hearts forever.
"May the Lord bless his people in peace."
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