Minister of Foreign Affairs Gideon Sa’ar at the ceremony for the fallen personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: “Most of the MFA personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty were killed far from their homes and homeland, in foreign countries. They fell as soldiers on their watch, and were targeted because they represented and symbolized our country, and promoted its interests.”
The memorial ceremony for the fallen personnel of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs was held today (Tuesday, 29 April 2025) in the presence of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Director-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the bereaved families, the Dean of the Diplomatic Staff, Ms. Vesla Mardan-Korch, and MFA management and personnel. Before the ceremony, FM Sa’ar spoke with the bereaved families at the exhibition in memory of the fallen.
Since the establishment of the State of Israel, 16 diplomats and foreign service personnel have been murdered in the line of duty.
Excerpt from FM Sa’ar’s remarks at the ceremony: “Most of the MFA personnel who lost their lives in the line of duty were killed far from their homes and homeland, in foreign countries. They fell as soldiers on their watch, and were targeted because they represented and symbolized our country, fought for its just cause, and promoted its interests.
Our diplomats stand on the front lines. The political front. The political front is the real battlefield, certainly when you represent Israel. The diplomat fights. He absorbs the attacks. He is identified with the state. Those who fell in the foreign service dedicated their lives to Israel and its struggle in the international arena. Their lives were cut short in an instant. They gave their lives in the midst of the struggle for the State of Israel.
I fear that the coming period will be particularly challenging in terms of the scope of risks for Jews and Israelis abroad in general and for Israel’s official representatives in particular. This requires and will require us to be more cautious, vigilant, and responsible.
On this day, we remember the sacrifice of those who fell in the foreign service. The State of Israel and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs collectively bow their heads today in memory of your loved ones who fell on their watch as emissaries of the State of Israel. May their memory be blessed and forever engraved in the heart of the nation.”
