Yom HaZikaron 2024 & The Swords of Iron Memorial Grove

As Yom HaZikaron 2024 begins (May 12 – May 13, 2024), we remember the soldiers who lost their lives and the civilian victims of terrorism on October 7, 2023, and the days that followed. We proclaim Psalm 46:1, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”

What Is Yom HaZikaron?

Yom HaZikaron means “Remembrance Day.” It is a national holiday that honors fallen soldiers and those who lost their lives defending the State of Israel.  

Not all heroes are soldiers. Some heroes in Israel are those who choose to live with a Zionist heart—living in such a way that aligns with God’s promise that their nation has a right to exist. Since the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Zionism has been an effort to protect the Jewish nation. 

Many civilians who were victims of terror on October 7, 2023, lived in border towns knowing the risk, but lived there to make a statement that the Promised Land was promised to them. 

Why Yom HaZikaron 2024 Is Different… 

We remember and observe Yom HaZikaron 2024, in a unique and prophetic way this year. We kneel in humble prayer and stand firm in the power and call of the Lord, proclaiming we will be a beacon in dark times and reflect the Father-Heart of God. 

How?

By honoring the legacy of those who lost their lives in the Hamas attacks. We plant trees of hope in Ma’Ale Adumim, standing with those in Israel who were brave enough to live on the border of Gaza. Those who died were God’s people, and we honor the legacy of their bold act to live according to God’s promises to them.  

We are doing this through The Swords of Iron Memorial Grove. This grove will be a garden of mature olive trees and saplings. It will also contain large stone monuments, recognizing the names of the victims from October 7, 2023, and the days following the attack written on them. 

The Significance of Ma’Ale Adumim

Ma’Ale Adumim is believed to have been the area where the story of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) took place. It is located right outside of Jerusalem. 

• “Then Jesus answered and said: ‘A certain man went down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among thieves, who stripped him of his clothing, wounded him, and departed, leaving him half dead.’”—Luke 10:30

In the story of the Good Samaritan, a man was robbed, stripped of his clothing, beaten, and left for dead. A priest and a Levite saw him and went out of their way to avoid him. But the Samaritan acted in the opposite spirit. Not only did he have compassion, but the Samaritan went out of his way to bandage his wounds and take care of him for as long as it would take for him to be completely restored. 

As in this parable, Jesus tells us to “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37). Share God’s love by standing with and honoring the legacy of the lives lost. Let’s not go “out of the way” to avoid the need, but rather let’s pursue restoration for as long as it takes.  

This is what The Swords of Iron Memorial Grove represents: Believing and acting in alignment with Yeshua’s words to “Go and do likewise,” to be the Good Samaritan in a time of horrific brokenness. 

The Swords of Iron Memorial Grove will be seen by those passing through the area as a reminder those who are gone are not forgotten and their lives still bear fruit. Harvesting these trees will be an honor to their legacy.

The Statement Made by Those Who Gave Their Lives

As mentioned, those who died—soldiers and civilians—were bold Zionists. They knew the area they lived in wasn’t just any location, but a location that spoke to their mission and mindset of God’s promise.  

They lived in the area with their families, building communities in kibbutzim (plural of kibbutz), an intentional communal form of living where agriculture is the foundation. Those who live on a kibbutz have a strong sense of family and community, of working together and unity, and getting back to their roots.

In Israel, everyone is called to defend—civilian or soldier, city-dweller or kibbutznik (a resident of a kibbutz). They know enemies surround them, and they must come together as a nation to protect what is given to them by God. This knowing became a reality for many on October 7, 2023.

The Attack on October 7, 2023

The attack was in the south on the border of Gaza, where many kibbutzim are located. Because those living there knew they were up against hostile neighbors, yet valued community and family, how do we honor their legacies? 

• We do what the Good Samaritan did—whatever it takes to release restoration. 
• We begin to honor them on this significant day, Yom HaZikaron 2024. 
• We love in a way that reflects the Father-Heart of God. 
• We remember and pause, proclaiming, “You are not forgotten.” 

May their memory be a blessing! 

Want to Release Honor and Restoration on Yom HaZikaron 2024?

Partner with us in this unique and one-of-a-kind project: planting trees and setting memorial stones in The Swords of Iron Memorial Grove! Stand with Israel like never before. Join the initiative here.