The DCA Think Tank gathered last night to mark Yom Hazikaron together, sharing stories of fallen soldiers and victims of terror with whom they had a personal connection, and talking about the day and what it brings up for them.
One member suggested the importance of revisiting the question, “Is Israel worth the sacrifice of all these lives?” or to phrase it differently, “How can we make sure that Israel is worthy of this sacrifice?” Another member felt uncomfortable with the action of turning every Jewish victim into a holy martyr — “We don’t have a culture of martyrdom, we don’t celebrate death.”
A third said, “All the wars and all the terror attacks since the beginning of the State have not killed as many Jews as a single day in Birkenau during the Summer of 44. This is what it costs us to have a state, and that is what it cost us not to have one.”
“I find that life-changing,” someone responded with great feeling.
And what are your thoughts on the day? We encourage you to meet with friends, virtually or preferably personally, share feelings and discuss.
May the memory of the slain be blessed.
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