Professor Simcha Goldin spoke Thursday night during Tel Aviv's central Second Hakafot about the Israeli government's recent request to return the bodies of missing IDF soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul.
Goldin is the father of IDF soldier Hadar Goldin who was killed and his body kidnapped by Hamas terrorists during 2014's Operation Protective Edge .
"We are here to remember and to bring him back," Simcha Goldin said. "The Second Hakafot at Rabin Square show the greatest unity in Israel. Everyone is here, both religious and secular. Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul are not here."
"The Israeli government must not miss another chance. Nothing should happen in Gaza until our soldiers are brought home. This is what the nation demands, this is what our soldiers demand, this is what the families demand. This is what we are commanded to do. This is true friendship.
"With a Torah scroll and with all of Israel, we will complete our mission successfully. Do not be afraid to pressure, do not be afraid to place our values above all else," Goldin concluded.
Ashkenazic Chief Rabbi David Lau and Sephardic Chief Rabbi Yitzhak Yosef called on the public to dedicate the third hakafa on Simchat Torah and during Second Hakafot "for the sake of our brothers, whose location is unknown....and mention that we are praying and waiting for the speedy return of Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul, and all others who are missing from the people of Israel."