Her voice broke—but only for a moment. “I never imagined we would be among the bereaved,” she said. “But we are, and we will continue Uri’s legacy.”

More than 400 people gathered in the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem’s Ed Snyder Auditorium, where they listened in reverent silence as Russo shared her story—one of several that anchored a heart-wrenching Yom HaZikaron memorial ceremony organized in partnership with the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization. This year, in the shadow of October 7 and the Iron Swords War, the grief in the room was palpable—and freshly lived.

Their stories were heard far and wide that night, as the ceremony marked the largest Yom HaZikaron commemoration held in English. It was livestreamed on The Jerusalem Post’s website.

The event, now in its third year of partnership between the museum and the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization, was not just a night of remembrance. It was an evening of national soul-searching and sacred responsibility.

“In my 40 years of service, I stared directly into the eyes of the enemy,” said former Mossad Director Yossi Cohen, who now serves as President of the IDF Widows & Orphans Organization’s Friends Association. “But the truest bravery I have witnessed comes from the families left behind. They show heroism every single day by enduring, remembering, and continuing to live with purpose.”

Cohen, who lost two cousins in the Iron Swords War, spoke with quiet conviction. “We gather here in solemn reverence, united by the profound pain of loss and the sacred duty to honor those who gave their lives for the State of Israel. Each fallen soldier, each victim of terrorism, is not only a hero but a cherished member of our broader family, whose absence we profoundly feel and whose courage continues to inspire us all.”

The moment's weight was not lost on Ambassador Danny Danon, Israel’s Permanent Representative to the UN. “We are here not only to mourn but to commit,” he said. “To ensure the world sees not just our tears, but our strength.”
The ceremony also highlighted those whose loved ones are still missing. “Fifty-nine of our beloved remain held hostage by Hamas,” Cohen reminded the audience. “This national mission must remain at the forefront of our consciousness. We owe it to them, to their families, and to the values our fallen heroes gave their lives for.”

Larry A. Mizel, Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Museum of Tolerance Jerusalem, emphasized the institution’s moral obligation to amplify these stories. “Tonight, let us carry forward the memory of the fallen—not only in silence, but in purpose. Let us turn our sorrow into unity, and our unity into strength. May their memories be a blessing, and may the future we build together be one of peace.”
Since October 7, the weight of these stories has felt almost omnipresent, as the nation is still reeling from that tragic day and the brutal war that ensued.

Shlomi Nahumson, CEO of the IDFWO, added, “Since October 7, more than 730 children have been orphaned, and 315 men and women have been widowed. It is our obligation—not only as the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization, but also as the entire Jewish nation—to stand by the families left behind and support them.”

As the final candle was lit and the memorial prayer rose through the atrium, Cohen offered closing words that left a lasting imprint: “As we stand together in silence, I hear the voices of [my cousins] urging us on—telling us to transform grief into strength, to build a future rooted in responsibility, unity, and hope.”

From the voices of orphans and widows to the highest halls of Israeli leadership, one message echoed throughout the night: We remember. We mourn. And we will carry on.