Their Sacrifice. Our continuation.

Memorial Day for the fallen soldiers of Israel and victims of terrorism is a day of pain. Young, vibrant people gave their lives so that the people of Israel could live securely in their land. On this day, the people of Israel honor the memory of the fallen IDF soldiers, underground fighters, and civilians who were murdered in acts of terror. Many of the great sages of Israel regarded these fallen as having the status of martyrs, people who gave their lives for the sanctification of God's name and the defense of the people of Israel. The sages say no creature can stand in the presence of the martyrs. Their merit is immense and exalted. Rabbi Zalman Auerbach, of blessed memory, used to tell his students, "If you want to pray at the graves of the righteous, you can go to the graves of the fallen on Mount Herzl. Amidst the great sorrow, unity is also revealed." An entire nation stands together, remembers, honors, and continues the path. On this day, a person stands and asks, "What am I doing with the life I have been given?" And the answer is not just remembrance, but continuation. To add goodness, to strengthen unity, to appreciate what we have. As it is said, "Beloved and pleasant in their lives, and in their deaths they were not parted." Their memory does not disappear, but continues to live in the heart of every man. On this day, it is our duty to pause, to remember, to recite a chapter of Psalms for the elevation of their souls, and to continue with one good deed because every life that continues out of remembrance is a continuation of the person.