(Communicated by the President’s Spokesperson)
President Isaac Herzog today (Wednesday, 15 october 2025) delivered a solemn eulogy at the funeral of Captain Daniel Perez, whose body was returned to Israel this week. Captain Perez fell in battle defending Nahal Oz and was taken captive by Hamas. His body was returned to Israel as part of the recent agreement.
In his remarks, the President said: “At this moment, so full of pain — here, on the mountain of heroism and rebirth, the mountain of longing, of tears, and of faith in the justice of our path — I wish to address all the bereaved families, to bow my head in reverence, and to say thank you, on behalf of the State of Israel. Thank you for the sons you raised — warriors of courage who did not hesitate when called to rescue the State of Israel, to fight the enemy, and to bring the hostages home. Warriors who carried pictures of the hostages in their pockets, and courage and strength in their hearts. Because of these brave sons and daughters, because of the bereaved families, because of the wounded who sacrificed so much — because of all of them, we have reached this moment. A moment that brings hope to our people and to our entire region — a moment that will be remembered forever in the history of our nation.”
The President paid special tribute to Captain Daniel Perez, describing him as a symbol of courage, devotion, and love of country.
“Daniel led his soldiers with responsibility, with faith in the justice of their cause, and with boundless love for his people and his homeland. He fought until the last drop of blood, embodying the very spirit of the Israeli warrior — steadfast, moral, and brave. Today, the son of the nation returns to his soil, to our soil.”
president herzog expressed his deep solidarity with all bereaved families, the wounded, and the returned hostages, reaffirming the moral and national obligation to bring back every fallen soldier and every hostage still held in Gaza.
“We must not stop, we must not tire, we must not give up or accept a reality in which any of our fallen have yet to return. The mission is not yet complete. We will continue until all are home.”
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