Memorial Day ceremony in Jerusalem, held in honor of fallen IDF soldiers. Photo: IDF Spokesperson

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Memorial Day honors both fallen soldiers and victims of terror, which to date number 22,570. Since last year’s Memorial Day, this number has increased by 133. The fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism include the Jewish Brigade that fought in WWII, wearing the uniform of the British, underground defense organizations, the Israeli police, security guards, the Moussad, the ISA, and fallen IDF soldiers.

Since the Declaration of Independence, which was made on May 14, 1948, 16,529 IDF soldiers have fallen in IDF operations or in other tragic circumstances during their military service. Since this past Memorial Day, 62 soldiers have been killed, 15 of them during operations. The most recent fallen soldier was Lior Furman, who passed away on April 22, 2009.

Dinor Shai Shalom and Yuval Holzman died in a helicopter crash during a practice flight, and were among the IDF soldiers that have fallen since this past Memorial Day.  Ilan Karmi and his flight instructor Matan Asa were also killed during an accident that took place during a practice flight.

During Operation Cast Lead, 10 IDF soldiers were killed: WO Lufti Nasreldeen, SSG Amir Emanuelof, Cpl. Yousef Moadi, Dr. Maj. Dagan Whartman, SSG Nitai Stern, Cpt. Yoni Netanel, SSG Alex Mashevitzky, Maj. Roi Rozner, Sgt. Amit Rubinson, Cpt. Omer Rubinovich while serving in the fight against terror in the Gaza Strip.

The most recent fallen soldier, a Bedouin soldier, was killed as a result of an explosive device that was detonated during a routine guarding shift in the Gaza Strip.  His family requested that his name would not be published.

At a ceremony that took place in Jerusalem, the Chief of the General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, addressed bereaved families, President Shimon Peres, the IDF General Staff, the Mayor of Jerusalem, and all Israeli citizens, regarding the significance of Memorial Day.  Lt. Gen. Ashkenazi placed emphasis on the contributions of Israel's fallen soldiers and their role in protecting the State of Israel, preserving its existence, and maintaining its ability to defend itself

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Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi at a Memorial Day ceremony in Jerusalem

Tomorrow at 11:00 AM, a two minute remembrance siren will be heard across the State of Israel in honor of the fallen.  Immediately after the siren ends, an official ceremony will begin in Jerusalem, which will honor the memory of fallen IDF soldiers.  Among the attendees will be the President of Israel, the Defense Minister, and the Chief of General Staff, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi. In addition to this ceremony, Memorial Day ceremonies will be held at 44 different military cemeteries across Israel.