"The Maccabees of Our Time": Herzog Eulogizes the Fallen Fighters

State President Isaac Herzog eulogized today (Wednesday) the 10 fighters who were killed in the battles in the Gaza Strip, when he praised the bravery of the fighters and sent his condolences to their families.

"The joy of Hanukkah this year is more difficult than ever, when the candles of the Hanukkah and the candles of remembrance mingle with each other, with sorrow and grief, but no less - with immense pride and faith in the righteousness of the path," said Herzog. "Ten names were added today to our bereaved tombstone in the difficult and just war against the cruel enemy. Ten commanders and fighters, the best of the best, heroes among heroes who fell in the battle to defend the people and the homeland, and left a huge void in their image - in the hearts of all of us.

"We embrace their grieving families, the wounded, and their brothers in arms - the Maccabees of our day - who are still fighting with strength and valor, and vow to fulfill their will: the eternity of Israel and the unity of Israel," he added. He concluded his words with a quote from the poem "Nerotai HaZe'irim" ('My little candles'):

"וַאֶשְׁמַע כָּל נֵר וָנֵר, לִי קוֹרֵא: קוּם, הִתְעוֹרֵר, עַם חָיָה וָקָם!"

"And I heard every candle, calling to me: Get up, wake up, live, my nation, and stand up!"