Israel commemorates Yom Hashoah and Yom Hazikaron to remember Holocaust victims and fallen heroes like Oz Daniel, killed in the conflict that has continued since October 7.
In the two weeks following Passover, the Jewish state holds two commemorations commemorating important events of the 20th century. One is Yom Hashoah, which commemorates the six million Jews who died in the Holocaust, and the other is Yom HaZikaron, which commemorates Israel. Just before Independence Day. During this year’s commemorations, Israel is not just commemorating the past, but writing a new chapter.
Throughout its existence, Israel has never taken a break from war or terrorism. Despite this, the country generally managed to prosper and maintain a semblance of normalcy and calm. The events of October 7 destroyed the country, caused trauma, and the aftermath will be felt for years to come. Israel mourns the 1,200 people massacred that fateful day and worries about the ongoing war. The government earnestly hopes for the return of the 133 hostages, both living and dead, who are being held in Gaza.
I met Meraf Daniel and Amir Daniel and heard about the tragedy that befell their son Oz. Their story is emblematic of what this country is currently experiencing. Mr. and Mrs. Daniel are a couple that exemplifies the best qualities of being Israeli. They are patriots who serve their country, raise their children Oz and their surviving twin sister Hadar, and follow in their footsteps.
During the two hours I spent with them, they carried themselves in a dignified manner. No matter how they felt about what happened on October 7th, they did not criticize or blame. They simply expressed a common hope that an agreement could be reached to secure the return of the hostages.
Oz was 19 years old when he was murdered, but his future was full of hope and promise. He was a very talented guitarist with ambitions to establish an international career in the music world. However, he put his long-term goals on hold for military service in a tank division. He had always been an overachiever, had achieved excellent results in the military, and was scheduled to begin his officer training course the week after October 7th.
On the morning of October 7, Oz was at Kibbutz Nirim, in one of only six tanks deployed near the Gaza border. When fighting broke out, he and his crew headed south to confront the terrorists.
Facing hundreds of armed terrorists, their tank was immobilized by an RPG and the driver was killed. During the day, footage was released of Oz and two remaining crew members emerging from a tank surrounded by Hamas terrorists.
The footage led the family to believe that Oz was being held captive in Gaza. The Daniel family joined a community of hostage families, worrying about the fate of their loved ones and supporting each other in times of fear and anxiety.
In February, soldiers operating in Khan Yunis discovered a bloody Israeli military uniform. A DNA test showed that the blood matched Oz’s, suggesting that he was no longer alive. Later that month, the Israeli military obtained further footage of the events that occurred that tragic morning. The footage reveals that Oz attempts to steal a grenade from his captors and is shot dead in the ensuing scuffle, during which he is hopelessly outnumbered.
To the Daniel family, he died a hero, resisting his captors despite knowing he had no chance of survival.
In Yom Hazikaron, the nation tells the story of its fallen heroes who defeated their enemies and defended their borders through a 76-year struggle for survival. Oz Daniel’s name was added to the annals of Jewish and Israeli history.
Oz Daniel was a good man, loved and respected by his family and friends. He will be remembered just as the nation remembers all the victims of October 7th and all the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives over the past seven months.
Their sacrifices should motivate and inspire our country’s young people serving in the armed forces to recognize the important role they play in ensuring our survival. More importantly, their sacrifices should send a message to the nation that the military cannot afford to fail in its mission of dismantling Hamas.
Our thoughts go out to Mr. and Mrs. Daniel and all the other families who are grieving their loss as we pray for the release of the hostages.
