Today, the National Jewish Assembly solemnly marks Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s Memorial Day, honouring the memory of the brave soldiers who gave their lives in defence of the Jewish state, and the thousands of civilians murdered in acts of terror.
As Jewish communities around the world unite in grief and remembrance, we reflect on the staggering cost of securing Jewish freedom in a hostile world. This year, the commemoration is especially heavy.
“Yom HaZikaron is not a day of abstraction – it is a day of real names, real faces, and unbearable sacrifice,” said Steve Winston, Managing Director of the NJA. “It is a day to remind ourselves why Israel must always have the means to defend itself, and why its existence must never be taken for granted.”
As our community lights candles and stands in silence, we also remember the Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. We call on all world leaders to intensify efforts to secure their release and to recognise that peace begins with justice, not appeasement of terror.
Yom HaZikaron is not merely a day of mourning – it is a reaffirmation of the Jewish people’s unbreakable bond with the land of Israel, and with the brave men and women who protect it. We honour their legacy not only with words, but with a renewed commitment to Zionism, Jewish unity, and moral clarity in the face of rising global antisemitism.
May the memory of the fallen be a blessing, and may their sacrifice inspire us to ensure a safer, prouder future for Israel and the Jewish people.
