President Herzog visits the Maccabim training base on the eve of Tisha B'Av and speaks with soldiers of the Hasmonean Brigade. "What we are doing here is unconditional love, love for the land, and love for our people."
The largest unit since the haredi brigade began operating took its oath of allegiance. Col. Shemer Raviv said: "Proof that it is possible to defend the people of Israel without giving up one's identity."
Sgt. Shmili Yakter, a squad commander in the haredi Hashmonaim Brigade, spoke to haredi draft candidates about a run he held in memory of fallen soldiers.
The Hasmonean Brigade troops marked Memorial Day at the brigade's base in Israel and on the front in Lebanon honoring Israel's fallen
Hasmonean Brigade stresses that even its troops operating in Lebanon will mark Memorial Day with a special ceremony on the front line.
