Each year, Israel’s Memorial Day for Fallen Soldiers and Victims of Terror serves as a solemn reminder of the cost of our nation’s independence. This year, the Institute for National Security Studies (INSS) presents a special project–“In their Deaths, they Ordered us to Live “–illustrating heroism, unity, and a shared destiny. This project begs answers on what Israel should do in light of the data and figures reflected within and how these actions should be prioritized? What imperatives emerge from them?

Look deeply, see the people behind the numbers. These are the individuals to whom we are accountable. Their sacrifice must be justified. They are not potential voters or social media influencers; their voices are silent, yet their silent voices must be heard. “The voice of thy brother’s blood crieth unto me from the ground.”

1. The Israel Defense Forces is an army of civilians. Nearly all segments of Israeli society have borne the heavy burden of war. Conscripted and reserve soldiers in the IDF and security forces have demonstrated exceptional dedication and, have tragically, paid a high price. These burden-bearers are real people–parents, professionals, family members—and some whose entire lives were still before them and are now lost.
2. Since the beginning of the ground maneuver in Gaza, 42% of the fallen were reservists, comprising 33% of total war casualties. We owe a tremendous debt to these reservists who left their families, answered the call of duty, and made the ultimate sacrifice. They did not seek thanks; they sought meaning, not reward. Their parents, siblings, widows, and children seek the historical significance that we, as a unified society, must ascribe to the heavy price they paid.
3. The courage of the soldiers who fell on the battlefield and their sacrifice demands courage of our leadership. The unity and camaraderie of the soldiers must be reflected among our leaders. If we imagine the fallen watching from above, we would be more humble and less arrogant, less violent and less inflammatory. The dear fallen fought and sacrificed for the State of Israel they loved—a nation that sanctifies life, characterized by compassion, and wisdom—not for the darkness of violent struggles, polarization, and hatred, nor the pursuit of power, honor, and wealth inherent in authority.
4. The war is not over, and we should ask ourselves why. The number of fallen continues to rise, and a total victory (if it exists) has not been attained. Yet, likely most bereaved families do not want their sacrifice to result in a Pyrrhic victory or delusional notions of a third temple, and a promenade without Palestinians in Gaza. True victory will not be measured at the first day of the truce, but by an improved national security reality over years.
5. Jonathan David Deitch, of blessed memory, who fell in Gaza, would have wanted his young son, Ari, to live in a safe and thriving country. Jonathan did not fight for delusional ideas, he fought for the Israeli spirit of life. If, years from now, Ari learns in school that, thanks to his father’s heroism, the hostages were returned, Hamas no longer controls Gaza, and Israel ensures long-term security—that will be victory. True, this victory will not ease his pain, but his father’s loss and the ensuing hardship will have earned Ari a golden share in Israel’s security—one that his father bought him and paid for with his life.
6. This war marks a turning point in the understanding of the value of equality in bearing the burden. No longer can a small segment of Israeli society carry the full weight of the country’s defense. Without equal participation, Israel and its defense establishment cannot meet the challenges ahead or fulfill their missions. All citizens of Israel must be equal partners, regardless of religion, ideology, and gender. Whoever is physically and mentally fit to fight will do so. There will be no more free riders. Conscription should be mandatory for all—now.
7. The price we have paid in war is immense. War is a necessary evil—not a desirable state—and the responsibility of determining its necessity lies with the political leadership. Soldiers must always be ready to pay the price of war, but they—and all citizens of Israel—must trust that the government initiates war for a worthy cause and as a last resort, solely for the sake of realizing the state’s security interests. This is the holy of holies of a people’s army in a sovereign state.
8. At the same time, we must not delude ourselves that war can solve all of Israel’s security challenges. David Ben-Gurion believed that Israel thrived between wars, so wars must be short, aggressive, and efficient. Interwar periods are critical and must guide our national defense strategy. The trauma of October 7 must not lead to overcorrection due to national PTSD. There is no such thing as “absolute security” or “absolute peace.” Seeking either based on idealism or politics may lead to catastrophe.

Every Memorial Day is a Yom Kippur for Israeli society; it is a day of reflection, remorse, and hope. Memorial Day 2025 is no different, but today we are at a crossroads:

• Will we reoccupy Gaza with a prolonged military campaign, or pursue an agreement that ends the war in exchange for the return of the hostages, Hamas’s removal, and a proactive new security regime for the residents of southern Israel?
• Are we headed toward war with Syria, the creation of a new buffer zone in Lebanon, and the emergence of new terror groups on the northern front—or toward normalization with Lebanon and Syria under international oversight that safeguards Israel’s security interests?
• Are we facing a nuclear Middle East, in which Iran possesses nuclear weapons, with a regional arms race underway in the most volatile region in the world, or can we achieve a reliable agreement that serves Israel’s interests and ensures that Iran will not acquire nuclear weapons? And if no agreement is reached on the Iranian nuclear issue, and military action is required, will it be a partial and ineffective strike that does not remove the threat, or an effective, broad, and efficient campaign—which is what we should hope for?
• Will we continue managing the conflict in the Palestinian arena indefinitely, hoping for the best? Or will we face the demographic reality between the Mediterranean Sea and the Jordan River with open eyes and understanding that we must make difficult and weighty political and territorial decisions to preserve Israel’s cherished identity as a Jewish, democratic, liberal, and thriving nation, and as part of the family of nations?

We must do whatever it takes to correct the situation and advance a reality of prosperity and lasting security for the citizens of our beloved country. We must not cease our efforts to bring the hostages home swiftly—to rehabilitate the living and bury the fallen. Our hearts are always, and especially today, with the bereaved families—the parents, widows, friends, orphans—and with all the citizens of Israel.