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Israel pauses for Memorial Day, a public day for mourning in the shadow of war

Israel pauses for Memorial Day, a public day for mourning in the shadow of war

Israelis have marked the country’s annual Memorial Day, a somber day of reflection with ceremonies and sirens

Two Palestinians killed in West Bank village by Israeli settlers, witnesses say

Two Palestinians killed in West Bank village by Israeli settlers, witnesses say

By Nidal al-Mughrabi and Ali Sawafta CAIRO/RAMALLAH, April 21 (Reuters) - Two Palestinians, including a 14-year-old boy, were killed in the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Tuesday after Israeli settlers and soldiers opened fire, witnesses said, while in Gaza health officials said two Palestinians were

IDF Increases Use of Robotics in Lebanon to Target Hezbollah Infrastructure

IDF Increases Use of Robotics in Lebanon to Target Hezbollah Infrastructure

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have intensified their use of robotic systems in military operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This strategic move aims to expedite the dismantling of Hezbollah's weapons infrastructure. The IDF's deployment of robots, including those placed in hard-to-reach tunnels by Yahalom Combat Engineers, has accelerated the destruction of Hezbollah's long-term security investments. This development is part of a broader trend in which the IDF has increasingly relied on autonomous systems, marking the 2023-2025 Israel-Hamas War as the first-ever robotics war. The use of robots has been crucial in exploring Hamas tunnels and conducting operations that minimize risks to soldiers. The IDF's AI and Autonomy Program Executive Office has been pivotal in integrating innovative technologies from startups and defense contractors into military operations.

Daughter of Fallen Soldier Visits Grave, Celebrates Father's Heroism

Daughter of Fallen Soldier Visits Grave, Celebrates Father's Heroism

Veronika, the daughter of Lt. German Rozhkov, visited her father's grave on Memorial Day, 11 years after being born from his preserved sperm. Lt. Rozhkov was killed in a terror attack in northern Israel in March 2002. His mother, Ludmila, fought for years to bring Veronika into the world posthumously, using her son's preserved sperm. The visit to the military cemetery in Kiryat Shmona was a poignant moment for Ludmila, who expressed her grief and pride in her son's bravery. Lt. Rozhkov was posthumously awarded a division commander's citation for his actions during the attack, where he charged at the attackers and was fatally wounded.

Captain Eyal Mevorach Twito’s Legacy Honored Through Visual Documentation

Captain Eyal Mevorach Twito’s Legacy Honored Through Visual Documentation

Captain Eyal Mevorach Twito, who fell in battle in southern Gaza on January 22, 2024, is remembered through the visual documentation by Israeli photojournalist Chen G. Schimmel. Her book, 'October 7th | Bearing Witness,' provides a visual and written account of the aftermath of the October 7 attacks. Twito's reflections on his motivations for fighting, including his love for his country, land, and people, are highlighted in the series. The proceeds from the book support the SUMMIT Institute for Trauma and Post-Trauma Recovery.

Mother of Slain Israeli Hostage Shares Grief in New Book

Mother of Slain Israeli Hostage Shares Grief in New Book

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli hostage killed by Hamas, has released a book titled 'When We See You Again,' detailing her profound grief. Hersh was abducted during a Hamas attack in October 2023 and killed after nearly a year in captivity. The book offers a raw account of Goldberg-Polin's emotional journey, without a narrative arc or resolution, focusing on the pain and loss experienced by the family. Hersh's story has become symbolic, with his name and face appearing across Israel, representing hope and resilience amidst tragedy.

Israel Memorial Day Ceremony Honors 47 Lone Soldiers Killed Since October 7

Israel Memorial Day Ceremony Honors 47 Lone Soldiers Killed Since October 7

A ceremony in Jerusalem marked Israel's Memorial Day by honoring 47 lone soldiers who have died since the October 7 attack and the subsequent war in Gaza. The event, titled 'United in Their Light,' brought together bereaved families, officials, and support groups to commemorate the soldiers' service and sacrifice. Lone soldiers, who serve without immediate family support in Israel, play a significant role in the military, with thousands enlisting each year.

Her kidnapped son was killed in a Gaza tunnel. A new memoir gives a searing account of her grief

Her kidnapped son was killed in a Gaza tunnel. A new memoir gives a searing account of her grief

Rachel Goldberg-Polin has written a book about her son, Hersh, who was kidnapped during Hamas' Oct. 7, 2023, attack and killed in a Gaza tunnel

Israeli Families Face Double Bereavement as Memorial Day Approaches

Israeli Families Face Double Bereavement as Memorial Day Approaches

Three Israeli families are grappling with the loss of two children each, who were killed in battles following October 7. As Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers and victims of attacks approaches, these families share their experiences of double bereavement. The families, including Dalia Azugi and David Levy, Orit Peretz and Eyal Radia, and Yael Fogel and Rafi Navon, have formed a bond through their shared grief. They recount the stories of their sons and nephews, who were close in life and now rest near each other in death. The families describe the challenges of processing their losses and the support they find in each other.

NYC Jewish Community Commemorates Gaza Hostages with Central Park Bench

NYC Jewish Community Commemorates Gaza Hostages with Central Park Bench

Members of the Jewish community in New York City gathered for a ceremony in Central Park to unveil a bench dedicated to hostages kidnapped during the October 7, 2023, attacks on southern Israel. The bench, named 'Hostages Bench,' honors those who were taken captive by Hamas, as well as those who fought for their release and those who lost their lives during the invasion. The event, attended by approximately 1,000 people, included the reading of names of the 46 hostages who were taken alive and subsequently killed in captivity. The bench is located near 106th Street and Central Park West, serving as a memorial for the hostages and a symbol of solidarity with their families.

Board of Peace envoy says Gaza plan needs quick progress, Hamas talks 'not easy'

Board of Peace envoy says Gaza plan needs quick progress, Hamas talks 'not easy'

By Lili Bayer BRUSSELS, April 20 (Reuters) - The Board of Peace’s lead envoy for Gaza told Reuters on Monday that he was “fairly optimistic” a plan for disarmament of Hamas and other militant groups in Gaza can be agreed but cautioned that it will still take time.

Israeli Defense Ministry Reports 170 Soldiers Killed Over Past Year Amid Ongoing Conflicts

Israeli Defense Ministry Reports 170 Soldiers Killed Over Past Year Amid Ongoing Conflicts

The Israeli Defense Ministry has reported that 170 soldiers have been recognized as fallen members of the Israeli military over the past year. Additionally, 54 individuals have been recognized as disabled due to their roles in the Israeli security forces, including the IDF. These figures are released annually before Remembrance Day, which begins on Monday night and lasts until Tuesday evening. The report also highlights the addition of over 7,000 bereaved families since the October 7 massacre. The ministry has been tracking fallen soldiers since 1860, with a total of 25,644 soldiers recognized as fallen, resulting in 59,583 bereaved families in Israel as of April 2026.