Eight fell in defense of Tel Hai.
Eight fell in the Battle of Bynet Jbeil in Second Lebanon.
Eight heroes of Tel Hai stood guard of the Galilee finger in exemplary sacrifice, on which generations of IDF fighters were educated. The city of Kiryat Shmona, named after them, not only commemorates them. Over the years.
86 years later, I left with my subordinates and colleagues from the Golani Brigade for the Second Lebanon War.
When we crossed the border into Lebanon, we knew we were protecting Kiryat Shmona and Metula, Avivim and Malkia, and the entire country.
The battle of Bynet Jbeil lasted for many hours.
We fought him face to face with Hezbollah terrorists.
Although the enemy opened fire first, and we were in inferior territory, we recovered quickly, fought back a hair's breadth, stormed forward and defeated our attackers.
We paid a heavy price: eight fallen were in battle.
Eight spaces.
Once again a struggle for the security of the Galilee, once again an uncompromising determination to ensure the existence of our people in their homeland.
In Bynet Jbeil, IDF values in their full meaning enveloped the forms of battle. Fellowship of warriors and devotion to mission, cohesion, evil and sacrifice, heroism and striving for victory.
This oath, for the sacrifice of life for the protection of the homeland, was fulfilled a few miles from home.
Our fallen comrades, brothers in arms and traveling companions, are always with us.
Their steadfast spirit, faith and vision, the deep knowledge that they serve a lofty national purpose, continue to live among us.
Their legacy is a constant compass for the IDF, its fighters and commanders.
Every day, and especially on Remembrance Day, I talk to them, salute them, miss them.
Their lack of pain is intertwined with immense pride in all the good they represent.
I remember Roi's leadership, Alex's composure, Amichai's fiery faith, Idan's warm smile, Edga's captivating innocence, Ohad's dedication, Assaf's confident silence, Shimon's good blue eyes.
Two weeks after the Battle of Bynet Jbeil we also lost Joseph and Tamer - loyal friends, full of courage and giving.
The fallen in 2006 are joined by beloved, unforgettable friends and commands who gave their lives for the protection of the state and its residents in Lebanon, Gaza, Judea and Samaria.
Others were killed while on duty.
I carry with me - and of course with their families - the grief of their loss, and at the same time I know that thanks to them we have been living in the most blessed generation for two thousand years.
Thanks to the martyrs of the Israeli systems, we have a state and sovereignty, freedom and independence, and above all the ability to defend ourselves on our own from the seekers of our souls - on land, in the air, at sea, everywhere.
A year after the Second Lebanon War, the late Tova and Moshe Merhavia were born, the parents of Amichai who fell in Bynet Jbeil, his first grandson. He was given the name "Amichai". The chain of generations continues. Ami is alive!
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