'We fight for a clear purpose': IDF Chief vows to bring back hostages, restore security

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

 IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir seen at Mount Herzl Cemetery in Jerusalem, April 28, 2025 (photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)
IDF Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir seen at Mount Herzl Cemetery in Jerusalem, April 28, 2025
(photo credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST)

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.