Ahead of Remembrance Day, the Ministry of Defense released data on the number of security and military personnel killed in wars and terrorist attacks, as well as the names added to the memorial list this year. Additionally, the report also touches base on the number of orphans and individuals who lost siblings.
Since 1860, a total of 25,034 military personnel have died in wars and terrorist attacks. This year, 760 new names of those killed were added to the list, along with an additional 61 disabled IDF soldiers who passed away due to their disabilities. In total, 821 names were added to the Ministry of Defense list this year.
Among those who perished, 711 were military and security personnel during the war in Gaza, comprising 637 IDF soldiers, 39 members of the Self-Defense Units ("kitot konenut"), 68 police officers, and 6 Shin Bet employees.
Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, the Ministry of Defense has provided care for 1,294 parents who lost children, 248 widows and widowers, 520 orphans, and 2,174 siblings of the fallen—totaling 4,236 immediate relatives.
The Defense Ministry urges Israelis to prioritize the closest loved ones of fallen soldiers and security forces in cemeteries on Remembrance Day. Citizens other than the families of the deceased should visit cemeteries after the traditional Remembrance Day ceremonies.
On Sunday, May 12, at 8:00 PM, a one-minute mourning siren will sound across the country, marking the start of the Day of Remembrance for those killed in wars and terrorist attacks. Following the silence, memorial ceremonies will commence nationwide. The central state ceremony will occur at the Western Wall, attended by Israeli President Isaac Herzog and the Chief of the IDF General Staff, Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi.
