Afula Chief Rabbi Urges Remembrance of War Dead

Chief Rabbi of Afula, Shmuel David, has issued a special call to ensure that the passage of time and the routines of daily life do not lead to forgetting the fallen soldiers of Israel's wars, particularly those from the recent, ongoing conflict. Alongside his appeal, Rabbi David released a memorial prayer, or "ashkavah," specifically including civilians, soldiers, police officers, and members of rescue and security forces.

Rabbi David emphasized the importance of continuing to remember the fallen through prayer. "I remind everyone not to forget to perform an ashkavah for the fallen of Israel's wars, especially for the fallen of the recent war which has not yet ended," he stated.

The prayer he published is designed to encompass all who have fallen, including civilians and those in security and rescue services. The prayer begins, "He who is merciful to all His creatures, may He have compassion and mercy on the souls of the holy ones who gave their lives for the sanctity of God and for the sanctity of the people and the land."

It continues by listing those remembered: "civilians, soldiers and commanders in the Israel Defense Forces, in the police and Border Police, and in all rescue, intelligence, and security forces." The prayer asks that the fallen find rest and peace, stating, "May the King of Kings, in His mercy, have mercy on them, and may He shelter them in the shadow of His wings and in the secret of His tent, to behold the delight of the Lord and to visit His temple."

The memorial prayer concludes by connecting the memory of the fallen to the entirety of Israel: "May their rest be in the Garden of Eden, and may their merit stand for all of Israel, and may they stand for their lot at the end of days. Amen."