bereaved families

Emotional letter written by fallen soldier to his grandmother

Adi, mother of fallen soldier Sergeant first class (res.) Idan Kenan, reads an emotional letter he wrote to his grandmother shortly before he was killed in Gaza.

Fallen soldier's brothers:

We mourn his loss, on Independence Day we will celebrate for him

The three brothers of Lieutenant Shahar Ben Nun speak to Arutz Sheva and describe their feelings on the first Memorial Day as bereaved brothers.

Due to protests

Minister Goldknopf withdraws participation in memorial ceremony

Minister of Construction and Housing Yitzhak Goldknopf announced that due to threats of protests that would desecrate the event, he will not participate in the memorial day ceremony.

Former Mossad chief: 'Iranian threat is a test of our unity'

'Iranian threat is not just a strategic challenge — it is a moral one. It is a test of our unity, our resilience, and our unwavering determination to defend our people and homeland,' former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen says at Museum of Tolerance and IDFWO Memorial Day event.

PM to bereaved families:

'In the name of the fallen, we pursue the mission of victory'

At start of Yom Hazikaron, PM addresses bereaved families and quotes the daughter of fallen soldier Rabbi Avi Goldberg.

'Does not reflect us'

Parents apologize to widow after attempt to silence her

Parents of students at the Hartman High School apologized to Sigal Kraunik and condemned the principal's attempt to silence her.

School principal tries to silence bereaved wife

During a lecture at Hartman High School, Sigal, whose husband fell on 10.7, spoke about the loss of trust in the residents of Gaza. The principal of the school demanded she skip over that part, but Sigal insisted.

Freedom and Love:

The haunting art of Yarden Bibas

Yarden Bibas, a released hostage who lost his wife and two sons, displayed an emotional art piece at the exhibition at Ben Gurion Airport calling for the return of the hostages.

Ahead of Memorial Day 5785:

The number of Israel's fallen stands at 25,417

Since last Memorial Day, 316 fallen soldiers have been added to the tally, along with 61 disabled veterans who passed away due to their disabilities and were recognized during the year as fallen soldiers of Israel's wars.

Independence Day:

Bereaved father and released hostage to light torch

Released hostage Emily Damari and Oren Smadja, who lost his son in Gaza, will jointly light a torch on Independence Day.

Brother of hostage:

'Siege on Hamas until hostages return'

Roi Baruch, the brother of hostage Uriel Baruch whose body is held in the Gaza Strip, asked MK Tzvi Succot to exert pressure on the government not to carry out a partial deal.

Bereaved families:

'Ending the war threatens Israel'

More than 1000 bereaved families have signed a letter contradicting the various calls to end the war from various groups of IDF soldiers.

Closure:

Sivan Elkabets' computer returned to her parents

Sivan was murdered during the October 7th massacre. Her laptop was stolen from her house. Today, it was returned to her family.

Bereaved families pray at Joseph's Tomb

Families of Ben Yosef Livnat, who was murdered at Joseph's Tomb, and Sergeant First Class (res.) Shuvael Ben-Natan, who fell in the war, pray at Joseph's Tomb in special Passover visit.

Bereaved families demand a public inquiry committee

Over 300 bereaved parents and parents of hostages approached the President calling for the establishment of a mutually agreed inquiry committee.

Fallen soldier's family voices concern over renewed Gaza fighting

The parents of fallen American-Israeli soldier Captain Omer Neutra voiced concerns over Israel’s renewed military operations in Gaza, arguing that airstrikes endanger the remaining hostages rather than securing their return.

Bereaved father to ISA chief:

The people do not deserve for you to hold them hostage

Eliyahu Libman, bereaved father and Kiryat Arba leader, calls on ISA chief Ronen Bar to step down, says his failure to warn of the massacre will never be forgiven. 'Those who back you are doing so out of great wickedness.'

Emotional:

Newborn nephew named after IDF soldier who fell in Gaza

Sister of Sgt. Yehonatan Elias, who fell in Gaza last year, names her firstborn son after her brother.

Moving:

Murdered lookout's handwriting preserved in book title

In moving gesture, handwriting of murdered Nahal Oz lookout Sgt. Yael Leibushor turned into font adorning new book on the weekly Torah portion.

Pain mixed with joy:

How a fallen hero's family celebrated Purim

Rachel Goldberg, wife of fallen soldier Avi Goldberg, talks about celebrating Purim despite the difficult pain of the loss and explains the significance behind the family's special costume.

Pres. Herzog:

Ori Danino took responsibility and demonstrated Jewish bravery

Israeli President Isaac Herzog joins reading of Book of Esther at the synagogue of murdered hostage, Ori Danino, praises his bravery. 'Ori was like an angel amidst the chaos.'

Brother of hostage:

'Just one MK came to comfort my family'

During a discussion in the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, Danny Elgarat revealed that only a single MK from the coalition offered condolences after his brother's body was returned.

Bereaved father accuses:

'Both Right and Left not fighting for victory'

Bereaved families from Forum Hagvura demand from Knesset members to eliminate Hamas, 'Have we forgotten our soldiers and the goals of this war?'

Captivity survivor:

'I hope there will be a grave to visit on Memorial Day'

Noga Weiss, kidnapped to Gaza during the October 7 massacre and released from Hamas captivity in a November 2023 deal, says she cannot find closure until Hamas releases her father's body for burial. 'I haven't yet said goodbye.'

Ohad Yahalomi, killed in Hamas captivity, is laid to rest

Funeral for Ohad Yahalomi, kidnapped to Gaza on October 7 and murdered in Hamas captivity, begins in Rishon Lezion; he will be buried in Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Mother of kidnapped IDF soldier Nachshon Wachsman dies

Esther Wachsman, mother of IDF solider Nachshon Wachsman who was kidnapped and murdered in 1994, passes away.

Chief Rabbi to Yarden Bibas:

'Your life will be a great memorial for Shiri. Ariel, and Kfir'

Rabbi Kalman Ber writes condolence letter to former hostage whose wife and 4-year-old and 9-month-old sons were murdered in captivity.

Tsachi Idan to be laid to rest next to daughter murdered on 7/10

Family of murdered hostage Tsachi Idan announces that his body was identified by the Abu Kabir forensic institute, says he will be laid to rest alongside his murdered daughter.

'Five angels'

Three generations of loss

Dana Silberman Sitton, sister of murdered hostage Shiri Bibas and aunt to Ariel and Kfir Bibas, tearfully mourns their loss. 'I hope you're up there embraced by Mom and Dad.'

Yarden Bibas:

'I'm sorry I didn't manage to save you'

Funeral for Ariel, Kfir, and Shiri Bibas leaves Rishon Lezion for Nir Oz cemetery; thousands stand along the roadsides, waving Israeli flags and paying last respects.

'The leak is a disgrace'

IDF's unusual request following the outrage of bereaved families

Families of female lookouts blast the leak of the IDF investigation of October 7 failures to the media before it was presented to them. The IDF is calling on media outlets to refrain from publishing partial information.

With Israeli flags lining the road:

This is what Shiri, Ariel, and Kfir's funeral will look like

As per the family's request, the funeral will be limited to invitees only, but the public may honor the memory of Shiri and her sons Ariel and Kfir, accompanying the funeral procession by holding Israeli flags along the roadside.

Sister of Hostage:

'We don't want revenge, we want Shiri'

Ofri Bibas, sister of Yarden Bibas, gave a video statement apologizing to Kfir and Ariel for not mourning them until Shiri Bibas returns.

Widow of fallen soldier announces engagement

Meitar Eliyahu, widow of Sergeant First Class (res.) Yedidya Eliyahu, who fell in battle in Gaza, announces that she is engaged to Baruch Tzuri Noked of Hebron.

Strengthening war widows:

'Let us grow together'- Empowerment for Swords of Iron widows

Women of all ages widowed in the war met at the Center for the Family at Orot Yisrael College to gain strength to cope with the challenges that their lives now demand.

In The Knesset:

MK berates bereaved sister

A heated confrontation occurred in the Knesset between Shira Lisha, sister of fallen Sergeant Dvir Lisha, and Knesset Member Debbie Biton.

Protester with red gloves expelled from Knesset committee

An individual with red gloves was removed from a committee meeting during speeches by families of the hostages.

War widows support Smotrich

A group of war widows wrote to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich: 'We support you and your struggle for the same path that called to our husbands.'

Two weeks before the massacre:

Terrorists waved 'congratulations' sign at IDF lookout

Eyal Eshel, father of IDF lookout Roni Eshel, who fell in the October 7 massacre, says the terrorists knew the birthday of one of the IDF lookouts at the Nahal Oz military base.

New project connects Diaspora Jews with bereaved Israeli families

The 'Sign of Life' initiative, Israel’s national memorial project, recently toured the US to connect Jewish communities with bereaved families.

Bereavement:

'Sara knew pain, but she found happiness in life'

Daughter of Sara Vaspi, who lost her husband, son and grandson in Israel's wars, and passed away, eulogizes her mother: 'Whoever colors my mother in colors of bereavement is wrong.'

Bereaved families:

Cancel shipments of terrorists abroad

Bereaved families from the Almagor Terror Victims Association‎ call on Cabinet ministers to stop the release of terrorists to foreign countries. 'Terrible mistake that began with a pathetic decision.'

'I haven't slept for two days'

Liri Albag's father apologizes to bereaved families

Eli Albag apologizes to bereaved families who were hurt by his remarks criticizing those who opposed the hostage release deal: I haven't slept for two days because of this. First and foremost, I apologize.

Liri Albag's father clarifies:

'I was referring only to the leaders'

Eli Albag, father of Liri Albag, who was released in a prisoner swap deal with Hamas, explains his 'scorn' for those who didn't support deal.

Bereaved father to Eli Albag:

Many Jews will pay with their lives for your daughter's release

Itzik Bonzel, father of fallen IDF soldier Amit Bonzel, responds to Eli Albag, whose daughter was freed in a prisoner swap deal: 'This is the time to bow your head and say thank you, not to threaten.'

Families of terror victims to be informed of terrorists' release

The families of terror victims whose murderer will be released as part of the ceasefire deal will receive notice of the decision, joint statement says.

'Stop this deal'

Bereaved families set up display of coffins in Jerusalem

Families of fallen soldiers set up display of coffins draped in Israeli flags and warn that the current ceasefire deal will lead to many more coffins for IDF soldiers.

Hersh's parents:

'Deal is an overdue opportunity to recover remaining hostages'

Jon and Rachel, the parents of slain hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, welcome deal as "a step that should have been taken long ago".

Call on Ben Gvir and Smotrich:

'Leave the government if archterrorists are freed'

Bereaved families write to Ministers Ben Gvir and Smotrich, demanding an emergency meeting and calling on them to resign from the government in the wake of the deal that will see the release of terrorists.

Coalition members oppose ceasefire deal with Hamas

Ten members of Israel's coalition sent letter to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, urging him to oppose the proposed deal with Hamas.

Moving:

Yonatan Razel sings with family of fallen soldier

The family of Yossi Hershkowitz, a school principal who fell in battle in Gaza, sings Yossi's last song in New York together with renowned singer Yonatan Razel. Watch.

Hostage's father:

'Trump knows - barbarians only understand power'

Hostages' families and bereaved families, gathered for a press conference following talk of a deal and the upcoming inauguration of the Trump administration, under the banner, 'Time for Victory.'

Soldier's family confront Finance Minister at condolence visit

The Perl family expressed frustration to Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich during a condolence visit for their son Matityahu Perel.

Families of murdered hostages:

'Don't miss this chance! Make deal now to bring everyone home!'

After recovery of Yosef al-Ziyadne's body, family members of the hostages who were murdered by their Hamas captors make joint statement to government demanding a deal to return the remaining hostages be signed immediately.

Hundreds of flags

Thousands accompany fallen soldier Ido on his last journey

Staff Sergeant Ido Samiach, 20, fell Tuesday in battle in northern Gaza, and was buried in the Savyon cemetery.

Resilience is the path forward

The bereaved families that I have met are inspiring people, they get up every morning, holding the deepest pain in one hand and hope in the other. Op-ed.

Focusing on the light:

Wounded soldiers, bereaved youngsters and a Hanukkah surprise

“You are the heroes our children will learn about in the future, just as you learned about the Maccabees when you were in school."

Bereaved Brother:

'We are heartbroken, Amit was our strength'

Brothers of fallen IDF soldier Amit Levi speak about the memories he left them and the lessons he wished to leave behind.

Bereaved Grandfather:

A Grandfather's Call for Unity Amidst Tragedy

A grandfather urges the media to promote unity and understanding in the wake of his grandson's death.

Defense Minister:

'IDF must release full recordings of fallen soldiers'

Defense Minister Israel Katz directed the IDF to release nearly complete recordings from the night of October 7th to the families of soldiers killed in the massacre.