On Yom HaZikaron we commemorate those who have paid the ultimate price to restore and sustain Jewish sovereignty in the land of Israel. Since the establishment of the state, over 20,000 soldiers have fallen in battle fighting for Israel’s right to exists as an independent state. In addition to this, thousands of civilians have been murdered, victims to acts of terror that were designed to bring maximum disruption to the daily life and to stop the country from functioning normally.
Remembrance occupies an important place in the Jewish psyche. The word ‘remember’ literally means to re-member, to put things back together again. When we remember, we put the pieces of our history back together again. By constructing a picture of the past in our minds, we connect to the values that they gave their lives for.
Wherever we find ourselves, whether in Israel or the Diaspora, there are many who seek to delegitimise and destroy our connection to our land. Our connection to Israel is above party politics or religious affiliation. If we do not connect to our own memories we run the risk of them being forgotten and of other people’s dreams replacing our own.
On a personal note I remember forming an honour guard at Israel’s military cemetery whilst serving in the IDF. Some thirty years later my cousin Major Benji Hillman z”l was tragically killed in action in the second Lebanon War, just three weeks after his wedding. Today the family gathers round his grave side in Ra’anana to re-member. They stand a stone’s throw away from HaBayit shel Benji- a residential home and vocational centre for Lone Israeli soldiers that the family toiled to build as a legacy to a fine young man In Israel.
The act of zikaron, of remembering is not something passive. It is not just about sparing a moment to allow ourselves a fleeting thought or perhaps to even wipe away a tear. To actively remember is also to move forward and build, often in the image of those who paid the ultimate price; to continue to live for values that are embodied in their sacrifice. Benji lived, breathed, fought and was killed for the Jewish people in Israel. He expended exemplary care, concern and effort for lone soldiers who volunteered to serve in combat units despite being alone and without close family in Israel. (http://www.benjihillman.org/)
The present day miracle of the State of Israel was founded on the hopes, prayers and actions of generations of Jews committed to returning to our ancestral homeland. As we remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice we have to commit to live for the values that they died for. Through our actions, their memory will live on.
