In a meaningful tribute during the Israel Parade in New York City, participants observed a solemn moment of silence to honor fallen Israeli soldiers and victims of terror, an initiative held by the Families, Commemoration, and Heritage Department of the Israel Ministry of Defense (IMOD). The ceremony was conducted with a deep understanding of the inseparable connection between national remembrance and the rebirth and independence of the State of Israel.
Arie Moalem, IMOD Deputy Director General and Head of the Families, Commemoration and Heritage Department: “This moment represents our acknowledgment of the heavy price Israeli society has paid to defend our homeland and part of our moral commitment to ensure the memory of the fallen will remain in the hearts of future generations. Without remembrance, there is no independence – this is our moral debt to the fallen.”
The parade included approximately 70,000 participants, led by the Mayor of New York City, who walked alongside bereaved families from the current war to symbolize the ongoing solidarity between New York City and Israel.
Senior officials in attendance included IMOD Deputy Director General and Head of the Families, Commemoration and Heritage Department – Arie Moalem, Head of the IMOD Mission to the U.S. – Aviram Hasson, Chairman of Yad Labanim – Eli Ben-Shem, Chairwoman of the IDF Widows & Orphans Organization – Adv. Zehava Gross Meydan, and National Director of Friends of the IDF (FIDF) – Major General (Ret.) Nadav Padan, who joined in the unifying message of remembrance, honor, and continuity.
