“And Only the Rememberer Knows All They Could Give” – ‘In Memory of the Fallen’ Initiative During Heroism Week 2025
Heroism Week 2025 falls between Holocaust Remembrance Day and Memorial Day for the Fallen Soldiers of Israel. It honors those who fell in the Iron Swords War. This year, the national commemoration initiative ‘In Memory of the Fallen’ marks its second year. In addition, it invites the public to join special tours across the country. These tours follow the stories of Israel’s heroes, from the distant past to the most recent fallen.
The tours run for an entire week, from April 24–30, 2025. They cover moving journeys from north to south. Routes pass from Mount Hermon and the Golan Heights. They also pass through Jerusalem, the Valley of Springs, and Nahal Oz.
Participation is free of charge, but prior registration is required on the initiative’s official website:
🔗 https://bishvilhanoflim.org.il/
The Story of the Land – Through the Stories of the Fallen
‘In Memory of the Fallen’ is a unique initiative. Bereaved families, senior officers, and tour centers across the country established it together. Its goal is simple: connecting travelers to the land through the stories of IDF soldiers.
Combining travel with commemoration creates a profound experience. This is especially true between Holocaust Remembrance Day and Memorial Day. By walking the country’s paths, the initiative turns each tour into an act that connects different sectors and populations. As a result, it opens a valuable and unifying dialogue.
Major General (Res.) Roni Numa chairs the initiative. Additionally, the tours include senior IDF officers, both past and present. Former police commissioners and bereaved families also take part, sharing personal, moving stories of the fallen.
Selected Tours for Heroism Week 5785:
Thursday, 24/4 – Opening Tour at Mount Herzl, Jerusalem
“From Holocaust to Revival” is a special tour. It follows the fallen from the War of Independence to the Iron Swords War. Major General (Res.) Eliezer Shkedy and tour guide Aviv Vishkovsky will lead the tour. The family of the late Ivri Dickstein will also join. A closing ceremony will follow at the Hall of Remembrance.
Friday, 25/4 – Double Tours:
- Shelegim Observatory, Mount Hermon – Major General (Res.) Uzi Dayan will lead this tour, together with bereaved families from the Golani Brigade.
- Nahal Oz – This tour follows the heroic battle of October 7. Major General (Res.) Noam Tibon will lead it, joined by the families of the late Roni Eshel and Afik Rosenthal.
Sunday, 27/4 – Tour in the Upper Galilee
Brigadier General Shai Kalper will lead this tour, offering views toward southern Lebanon. The route also includes stories of heroism from the reserve brigades. The Moyal and Hayut families will take part as well.
Monday, 28/4 – Valley of Springs
This tour follows the border fighters, led by Roni Numa and Ziv Carmel. It honors the late Aner Shapira, who fell defending civilians in the battle of the bunker.
Tuesday, 29/4 – Golan Heights
This tour follows the armored corps fighters of Brigade 188. Major General (Res.) Eyal Ben Reuven and Yehonadav Etsion will lead the way. It is also dedicated to the late Lt. Col. Salman Habka, who fell in Gaza commanding Battalion 53. The tour will conclude at the memorial site for the Barak Brigade.
Heroism Week offers a rare chance to pause and remember. It also connects our generation with those who fell, so we could continue living in this land.
Participation is open to all – a march of remembrance, connection, and hope.
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