Minister of Defense Yoav Galant, adopted this evening (Tuesday) the recommendation of the Public Council for the Commemoration of the Soldier to add the inscription "May the Lord raise up his blood" to military tombstones of martyrs who fell in battle - if their families request it.
The minister also approved the recommendation to add the inscription "Remember him with blessing" on military tombstones of fallen soldiers, whose families request it.
The decision was made in light of the request of the family of Captain Israel Yudkin, of Kfar Chabad, who was killed in fighting in Gaza - and after the family went through great suffering, when the Ministry of Defense did not grant its request and acted in a closed-door manner.
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The Defense Minister's Office informed the family of the decision this evening.
At the same time, Gallant instructed the Ministry of Defense to work to amend the regulations and bring them to the approval of the Knesset's Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, as required by law.
""The Minister of Defense thanked the IDF Casualties Unit, the Families, Commemoration and Heritage Division at the Ministry of Defense, and the members of the Public Council for Commemorating the Soldier for the sacred work they are carrying out in the difficult war that was forced upon the State of Israel. Minister Galant expresses his confidence in their ethical considerations and professional work," said a statement from his office.
Previously, the Public Council for the Commemoration of the Soldier, headed by Prof. Shlomo Mor Yosef, recommended by a majority of 19 to one to allow the inscription "Yad" to be added to the tombstones of IDF martyrs.
The council, consisting of members of the bereaved families and the representative organizations Yad Labanim and the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization, convened today at the request of the Minister of Defense.
The council's announcement stated:
""The Public Council for the Commemoration of the Soldier, headed by Prof. Shlomo Mor Yosef, consisting of members of the bereaved families and the representative organizations - 'Yad Labanim' and the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization, convened today at the request of Defense Minister Yoav Galant, to discuss the request of the family of the late Captain Israel Yudkin, to add the inscription 'May the Lord uphold his blood' to his military tombstone.".
""The council provides full support to the employees of the Soldier's Memorial Unit at the Ministry of Defense, who since October 7 have laid to rest hundreds of Israel's fallen soldiers in a stately and dignified manner worthy of all appreciation.".
""Employees of the Soldier's Memorial Unit also acted in this case in accordance with the law and regulations, despite public pressure.".
""The Public Council decided by a majority vote that the phrase 'The Lord will raise his blood' is not an unusual expression, but rather a common saying that is part of the Jewish faith. The members of the Council who participated in the discussion recommended that the regulations be changed so that it would be possible to add the inscription 'The Lord will raise his blood' to military monuments of fallen soldiers, for families who request it.".
""The council recommended in its decision to also add the option of writing 'Remember him with blessings' on military gravestones, for families who request it. The council's recommendations will be presented to Defense Minister Yoav Galant.".
The Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben Gvir: ""I welcome the recommendation of the Public Council that adopted my proposal, together with MK Limor Son Har-Melach, to allow the addition of the inscription "Yiddish" on the tombstones of our holy martyrs and on the tombstone of Saint Israel Yudkin Yiddish.".
""In the country, Jews do not need to hide. Yes, we pray that God will avenge the blood of all the saints who fell in defense of our country and our people.".
MK Limor Son Har Melech, who accompanied the family's request to the Ministry of Defense - and even submitted an urgent proposal for the arrangement, said in response: "The Ministry of Defense made the correct and Jewish decision to respond to the request of Israel's family and to indicate on his tombstone the nickname 'Yid.' This is a very significant moment that honors the memory of Israel, who gave his life for the sanctification of God.".
""This decision is a recognition of our family heritage and national heritage, and tells the story of Israel's unique dedication.".
""This is a victory for the values of honor and commemoration. I congratulate the family for their steadfastness and honorable struggle, and hope that this act will serve as an example for continuing to preserve the honor of the fallen and the bereaved families. 'And the Lord will wipe away tears from every face.' May the memory of Israel be blessed and may it be preserved in our hearts forever.".
MK Yulia Malinovsky From Yisrael Beiteinu, which fought to add the inscription "Yiddish" to the monument of the hero Captain Yisrael Yudkin, the late: "With tears of emotion in my eyes, I write that we succeeded in the struggle for the Yudkin family and for the memory of Yisrael Yuddish.".
""The heroes in this story are the Yudkin family, who never gave up for a moment, and I also want to thank all the partners in this struggle, all the Knesset members and ministers who joined the event, regardless of coalition or opposition.
""It started with the just struggle of the Yudkin family, and from their private case a new reality was created, in which any bereaved family that would like to add the inscription "Yidd" or "Zal" to their son's tombstone will be able to do so.".
""We owe it to the Haredi public to be with us in the army and we must make the adjustments for them both in life and, unfortunately, in death. This struggle is the least I could do for the memory of the hero Captain Israel Yudkin and his brave family.".
