We have two memorial days: Yom HaZikaron reminds us of the cost our dream of living as a free people in our homeland of Eretz Yisrael and Yom Hashoah which reminds us of the deeper and more profound cost of not having our land.

This week, we remembered the dramatic emotional transition from the solemnity of our national mourning with sirens and remembrance of our fallen heroes to celebration with concerts, fireworks and joy to celebrate Israel's founding. Our independence is built upon the sacrifice of the fallen.

WE REMEMBER

IDF Soldiers Killed in Combat

Sergeant Major Res, Ayal Uriel Bianco, 30 years old from Katzrin, a firefighting vehicle driver in the 188th Brigade, was killed during combat in southern Lebanon.

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Warant Officer Res, Barak Kalfon, 48 years old from Adi in Northern Israel, of the 226th Reserve Paratroopers Brigade’s 7056th Battalion

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Sgt. First Class (res.) Lidor Porat, 31 years old from Ashdod, of the 769th “Hiram” Regional Brigade’s 7106th Battalion

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To see the faces of the soldiers who have lost their lives while defending Israel since October 7th, Click Here

MAY THEIR MEMORIES BE FOR A BLESSING

By Our Rabbis

Each week, we showcase an Op-Ed, blog post, column or sermon written by a colleague about issues of interest to the rabbis of the ZRC. We invite you to submit your piece to be highlighted in an upcoming week

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ZRC Look Forward To The Fifth Annual Conference April 28-30

Several meaningful and exciting days are just around the corner that will include a GALA DINNER honoring Congressman Steny Hoyer and featuring a keynote by Colonel Richard Kemp, Lunch with Ambassador Yehiel Leiter and Briefings at the State Department with Undersecretary Responsible for US Mid East Policy & Rabbi Yehuda Kaploun, US Special Envoy to Combat Antisemitism

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If you can't join us for the conference, you can join us the following week in DC (see below)

Join Our Christian Allies on Capitol Hill on May 4 - 5

Last year the ZRC partnered with three prominent pro-Israel Christian organizations: Eagles Wings, American Christian Leaders for Israel, and the Israel Allies Foundation to sponsor an interfaith Advocacy Day on behalf of Israel in Washington, D.C.

Our rabbis joined with Christian ministers and pastors in meetings on Capitol Hill and found it to be a meaningful and moving experience. This year JFNA, the Jewish Federations of North America is joining with us and our Christian parters to sponsor meetings with Congressional offices in Washington, DC, on May 4-5, 2026.  

We invite rabbis to please join us in Washington!  Your voice matters at this critical moment, and together with our Christian brothers and sisters, our impact on Capitol Hill will be magnified. For more information, please see this Information Sheet. To register, please click here:  Register here. 

Netanyahu Speaks of Another Holocaust At Yom Hazikaron Commemoration

Although the Ayatollah had planned another Holocaust and plotted to destroy Israel, the US-Israeli alliance foiled his plans. Netanyahu concluded with a salute and blessing to the wounded soldiers and bereaved families.

A War Cut Short Is More Dangerous Than No War At All

Iran has suffered greatly at the hands of Israel and the US. However, the war will not be won unless the Iranian regime is defeated. The threat that Iran poses is six-fold and must be addressed before the war is ended.

Two Presidential Hopefuls May Be Embracing Antisemitic Libel

One of the oldest antisemitic tropes, that of the Jews controlling the world and the associated leader within it, is surfacing in the mainstream of both political parties. It is one thing for this libelous claim to appear on the extreme fringes. However, what are the implications as it gains steam? Harris's campaign seems to be embracing this myth while Vance dances around it.

Democratic Representative Condemns Her Party 

Kristen McDonald Rivet, a Michigan Democrat representing a swing district called out the party in a press conference for nominating Amir Makled who has expressed support for Hezbollah. She expressed her commitment to fighting hate and extremism as well as her belief that the party's support for Makled will harm them in the November elections.

Click on the image below to watch hostage survivor Alon Ohel and wounded soldier Dvir Bublil as they perform together at the President’s home in Jerusalem on Yom Ha'Atzmaut

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