The annual memorial ceremony for the 90 fallen soldiers of Flotilla 13 took place yesterday (Wednesday) at the Atlit base, led by the Commander of the Naval Forces, Major General Eyal Harel, and attended by bereaved families, past and present commanders and soldiers of the flotilla, the Atlaf Association, and other guests.
The address on behalf of the bereaved families was delivered by the father of Senior Master Sergeant (Res.) Amit Wax, a fighter in Flotilla 13, and his brother Yigal Wax, may their memory be blessed, who fell on October 7, 2023, in the battle at Nativ HaAsara.
The representative of the bereaved families, Alfredo Wax, spoke: “I am grateful for the privilege of standing here and speaking on behalf of the families at the annual memorial ceremony. Our sons, who chose to serve in this elite unit – Flotilla 13 – chose to bear responsibility. They chose the most challenging service, not to prove their strength, but to put it at the disposal of the public.”
“Love of the land, camaraderie, humility, dedication to the mission, and the willingness to sacrifice for others were not slogans for them – but a way of life. Thank you for the home you continue to be for us, the families. Your support, sensitivity, and commitment over the years are not taken for granted.”
“Alongside the pain, longing, and memory, I choose to focus on life. I believe this is also the legacy our children left us. I call on all of us to continue their path and fill our lives with great love, unity, and national pride.”
Commander of the Naval Forces, Major General Eyal Harel, said: “As every year, we gather here, facing the magnificent shores of Atlit, which have inspired many of the heroic stories of our fallen. We gather, remember, and grieve the loss of our loved ones.”
“Since time immemorial, the strength of Flotilla 13 has relied on the uncompromising mission of those at the head of the column. Tonight, too, we gather in the midst of war. About a week ago, we marked a thousand days since that black and cursed Saturday, and since then, the naval commando fighters have been operating in a wide range of missions – overt and covert, near and far – in the same way your loved ones walked, and with the same value-driven spirit that guided their predecessors.”
“Dear families, I stand here tonight with humility before the bravery and memory of your loved ones. The entire Naval Forces family bows its head with you. The commanders and fighters of Flotilla 13 continue today to carry with them the operational legacy of the fallen. They expand the boundaries of what is possible with operational wisdom and bravery, stand at the forefront of every mission, and are ready for any challenge.”
“Time and again, they set out on their missions, with the light of your dearest ones accompanying them in every operation. Dear families, out of great sorrow, I promise that we will continue to walk the path left to us by your loved ones – with dedication, with love for humanity, and with love for the land. We will not forget the memory of your loved ones. May their memory be blessed.”
For the full speech of the Commander of the Naval Forces, Major General Eyal Harel
