August 20 Mt. Herzl

— Mt. Herzl: The graves of Israel’s soldiers who fell in battle
— “One thing is for sure they haven’t died in vain”

Mt. Herzl: Israel’s main military cemetery since 1949

August 20, 1957 Tuesday, Late at night
Dear Mom, Dad and Alan,

I just realized I haven’t been writing enough and so decided to drop this little line to let you know I’m thinking of you.


Today I was up on Mt. Herzl where the graves of those that fell in the War of Independence are. What a pity that every now and then after some border skirmish they have to make use of this place. But one thing is for sure – they haven’t died in vain. This is noticed in the faces and figures of the soldiers they train and the determination of the people whenever you talk with them about the threat of Arab attack. They answer, “don’t worry they are welcome to start, just have faith in us.”


So that’s what I do now. It’s a great feeling they all have – especially the veterans of Sinai.


Love, Bob

Comments:


 August 20, 1957 Tuesday, Late at night

Today I was up on Mt. Herzl where the graves of those that fell in the War of Independence are. What a pity that every now and then after some border skirmish they have to make use of this place. But one thing is for sure they haven’t died in vain.”
Today, Jews routinely flock to the Kotel, but forget how many soldiers fell liberating it in 1967. I was educated to never take for granted the sacrifice of those who paved the way before us. Joining the Israeli army was my small way of paying something back.
Never forget – What does it mean for us today?
Just remembering the fallen heroes is not enough. Each one of us, no matter where we live, needs to support a strong Israel and a strong Israeli army. Belief in G-d and not succumbing to world pressure will ensure the protection and survival of the Jewish State.