“We salute those who defended us all with their bodies,” said Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein.
The Knesset held a special plenary session last Tuesday marking the annual Recognition Day for Injured Soldiers and Terror Victims, tens of thousands of Israelis who were wounded over the course of Israel’s century of conflict with the Arabs.
The event was marked during the holiday of Chanukah, during which Jewish bravery throughout the ages is celebrated.
”Some 70,000 men and women in Israel carry on their bodies and souls the scars of Israel`s wars and the terror attacks,” stated Knesset Speaker Yuli Edelstein. “Israel`s wars and operations, as well as the terror attacks over the years, exacted a heavy personal price from so many people – soldiers and civilians – which they pay every day and every hour.”
”To all those who fought and defended us all with their bodies, we owe a debt of respect, for their willingness to be spearheads ahead of the camp and risk what is most dear to them,” he said. ”On this day, on behalf of the citizens of Israel and the Knesset, we salute you, send you a genuine embrace and say a big thank you from the bottom of our hearts.”
Member of Knesset Yehuda Glick, who survived an attempt on his life by a Palestinian terrorist some two years ago, noted that he suffers from a 50-percent disability.
“We are living thanks to those who paid a price for all of us and carry with them injury and pain,” he said. ”The victims of terror pay the price every day, and from here we send them a thank you and an embrace.”
Deputy Defense Minister Eli Ben-Dahan praised the initiative to recognize the casualties of terrorism and war.
”We tend to remember only the fallen and those who were murdered. On this day it is important to honor not only the wounded, but also their families, who pay a heavy price in the effort to bring the wounded back to the track of life,” he said.
