Israel Defense Forces Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said at the national memorial conference “Engraved in Eternity” that loss is part of shaping leadership and deepening responsibility for actions and for the people under command. He said, “Loss is part of shaping leadership and the greater understanding of responsibility for our actions and our people.”
Zamir added that bereavement strengthens a commander’s sense of duty both in routine service and in battle. “Loss sharpens our sense of responsibility in routine and in combat,” he said.
He said that when this thought is present, a commander becomes determined to carry out the mission while also being determined to protect the troops. “When that goes through your head, you are determined to complete the mission, but very determined to keep the people safe,” Zamir said.
