On Yom Hazikaron (Memorial Day in Israel), the fourth day of the month of Iyar, we remember all those who have fallen on behalf of the Jewish state.

As we approach this heartrending day, ask yourself the following questions. What are your feelings about the 23,000 Israeli forces killed in wars and the citizens who died as a result of terrorism?

Do you appreciate the bravery of those in the Israel Defence Forces, the Jewish Brigade and the Yishuv – those who gave of themselves for your security and that of the Jewish People?

Do you appreciate, at a gut level, the soldiers in the Haganah and Irgun (pre-state forces), many of whom were Holocaust survivors and had just stepped off boats from Europe, who fought hand to hand with the enemy? Or the students on the bus whose last smile or cellphone call occurred just before an explosion that would snuff out their lives?

When a two-minute siren is heard at 11 a.m. in Israel marking the opening of the official memorial ceremonies, do you whisper a message of thanks to the Israeli mothers and fathers who waved goodbye, sometimes forever, to their cherished sons and daughters as they returned to their base to fight for us? Is this day special? Is it marked in your calendar?

Fortunately, there are many Toronto Jewish community members who do indeed recognize the sacrifice our Israeli brothers and sisters have made; however, there are others who now question the importance of the State of Israel and care little about such days as Yom Hazikaron. Many of these individuals can be found on our campuses buying into the yammering of professors who claim Israel is the most oppressive state in the world. These are our Jewish children. Oh how mistaken they are! How they will awaken when Israel must defend itself against evil nations like Iran that want to extirpate us!

On Yom Hazikaron, challenge them. Be patient but confront them. Ask those who question Israel’s right to defend itself what they would do if crazy people living next store wanted to burn their house down. Answer patiently. Tell them that to be a Jew is difficult and the consequences of missing the importance of Israel are dangerous.

Then ask yourself – when Yom Ha’atzmaut enters on the fifth day of Iyar, the anniversary of the proclamation of the State of Israel in 1948, how much do you celebrate? Do you cheer? Do you clink your glass and call out a l’chaim for Israel for having fought on every front and then working to ensure that our homeland is a special place, a world-class country?

As Jews, we don’t create hoopla around the battles we won, or jump with glee for the decorated soldiers who killed the enemy in battle. That is not our way. We do, however, embrace our wondrous victories, like the State of Israel that continues to stand tall and proud, despite the calls for its demise by major publications around the world. And we thank God.

To our Israeli family, we say those who predict that you will not exist do not appreciate your spirit and powerful drive to breathe. We will support you as we did then – and forever. We will do so through our prayers, our sojourns in the Holy Land, the purchase of real estate in your towns as a place of investment where we can launch our businesses, and through tzedakah.

Maximize these two days, by questioning those who do not fully grasp Israel as our lifeblood and by remembering those who fought so we could be free Jews. Am Yisrael chai. The nation of Israel lives.

[email protected]   –Sderot/Sudan?