The IDF is fighting to return the hostages held in Gaza captivity, defend the Jewish state and its citizens, and win the war, IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir shared in a message to service members early Tuesday morning ahead of Israel's Remembrance Day.

"We fight for a clear purpose – to act tirelessly for the defense of our homeland and victory in the war, to bring back our brothers and sisters held in enemy captivity, and restore a sense of security to every citizen of Israel," Zamir wrote. 

He vowed the military would "support and embrace and lend a helping hand" to bereaved families.

'Growing from every tear'

In addition, he pledged the IDF would "uphold our moral duty to remember the past, work for a present of prosperity and growth and secure the future entrusted to us."
An Israeli flag seen on Mount Herzl ahead of Remembrance Day. April 28, 2025. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
An Israeli flag seen on Mount Herzl ahead of Remembrance Day. April 28, 2025. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM)
"As we raise our eyes to the flag, lowered now to half-mast, before commencing the celebrations of our 77thIndependence Day, we commit to growing from every tear, thriving, and continually enhancing the securityof the State of Israel," Zamir concluded.