Malka Puterkovsky at IDF Yom HaShoah event
Malka Puterkovsky at IDF Yom HaShoah eventIDF Spokesperson

Today (Monday), the IDF General Staff held a day to mark the Holocaust Remembrance Day. The day was led by the Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, and was held in mark of the 80th anniversary of the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising, which to this day symbolizes the courage and bravery of the few against the many.

The Chief of the General Staff, LTG Herzi Halevi, said: "The Holocaust was an attempt to dismantle and destroy, firstly our spirit, by erasing our identity as a nation, and later our bodies. This day reminds us of the importance of our values, heritage and our strong spirit, as well as our commitment to continue developing our capabilities and improve our readiness. We are working at all times, including today, to preserve our roots and strengthen our spirit and values. The IDF is strong and will continue to maintain the security of the State of Israel”.

The Chairman of the Yad Vashem Directorate, Mr. Dani Dayan, gave a speech at the beginning of the day. Following his speech, there was a lecture by Ms. Malka Puterkovsky, a respected educator who reviewed the Jewish defense and resistance efforts during World War II.

Later on, members of the General Staff conducted a tour of Yad Vashem (the World Holocaust Remembrance Center). After the tour, a memorial ceremony was held in the Hall of Names at Yad Vashem.



In addition, the members of the General Staff held discussions regarding the remembrance of the Holocaust, in which young officers and representatives from the IDF’s various directorates, branches and commands participated.

As the day concluded, the members of the General Staff met with Mrs. Ada Willenberg, a Holocaust survivor who accompanied them throughout the day and told them her life story.