National Conference Opens in Jerusalem on Remembrance for Israel's Fallen Soldiers

A national remembrance conference opened Wednesday morning at Jerusalem’s International Convention Center, or Binyanei HaUma, at the initiative of the Defense Ministry’s Families, Commemoration and Heritage Division. The event brings together senior state and security officials to discuss how Israel preserves collective memory, passes it to future generations, and advances a new national digital memorial project.

Arieh Moalem, deputy director general and head of the division, opened the conference and said it is meant to be “a space of memory, connection and inspiration” that highlights the lives, legacy and values of Israel’s fallen soldiers. He said that alongside the Hall of Remembrance and state ceremonies, the ministry will promote “a one of a kind” national digital commemoration project to make the fallen’s heritage accessible to younger generations.

Moalem added that the day’s sessions would examine how remembrance strengthens Israel’s resilience, how social media is changing commemoration, the role of the media, and the meaning of memory in relation to the wider Jewish world. Prof. Shlomo Mor-Yosef, chair of the public council for commemorating fallen soldiers, said memorialization must be “appropriate for all” and fully respectful, while also allowing families, communities and military units to commemorate in their own ways.

World Zionist Organization chairman Yaakov Hagoel said many of the families affected over the past year live around the world, and his organization works with Jewish communities in the diaspora to support them in mourning. Among the prominent participants are President Isaac Herzog, Defense Minister Israel Katz, IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Police Commissioner Daniel Levy, Prison Service Commissioner Kobi Yaakobi, Yad Labanim chairman Eli Tahr, Widows and Orphans of IDF Soldiers chair Zohava Gros Midan, and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion.