Memorial For Israel's Fallen Soldiers

The First Annual Yom Ha'Zikaron Ceremony for Young Leadership in Los Angeles

Last night, my wife and I were privileged to attend a memorial service honoring Israel's fallen soldiers at the Museum of Tolerance in Los Angeles. The event featured a listing of the names and stories of several of the fallen as told by their fellow soldiers, friends and relatives.

What especially struck me was the total absence of any bitterness or calls for vengeance against those who had killed the soldiers. Indeed, the enemy was barely mentioned at all. The intent of the ceremony was simply to honor those who had died defending their country-not to express hatred of any sort. There were no calls to destroy the enemy. There were no insults directed toward the Arab/Muslim world. There was no talk of wiping anybody out.

The event reinforced my conviction that I support the right side. Oh, by the way. Upon entering, we had to pass through magnetometers and all that stuff too. Wonder why?