How we remember says a lot about who we are– as individuals, as communities, as societies.
This week marked Israel’s 67th Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day). The exact number of fallen soldiers and victims of terrorist attacks is read. Traditional prayers are recited and bereaved mothers, fathers, sisters, and brothers share their stories. We cry. All of us. We cry over the cost of our Jewish homeland. We cry because we know the sacrifice has been made but aren’t sure that the cost is worth the heavy price. We tremble because we see a world that doesn’t yet recognize our undeniable right to exist.
I commemorated Yom HaZikaron with the entire Atlanta Jewish community and also with my Davis Academy community. Both times I could not hold back my tears.
Jews don’t celebrate our martyrs. We mourn them. We remember them. We honor them. And we strive to make our lives a tribute to their sacrifice.
All peoples and all people remember. We remember in myriad ways. On this day of memory let us take a moment to reflect on what our remembering says about our humanity.