As Israel moved from the solemn silence of Yom HaZikaron (Memorial Day) to the joyous spirit of Yom HaAtzmaut (Independence Day), Keren Hayesod missions from around the world stood by its side — a living testament to the strength of our global Jewish family.

Five Keren Hayesod donor missions, from Australia, Mexico, Panama, and Friends of Israel, arrived in Israel during this most sacred and emotional week. Together, like one big mission of 130 participants, they bore witness, paid tribute, and walked beside Israelis in moments of both remembrance and resilience.

“Our unity is our greatest strength.” Sam Grundwerg

From memorials in Be’eri and the Nova site to ceremonies in Sderot and Kiryat Shmona, their presence brought more than solidarity, it brought healing. In a time when unity is needed more than ever, they showed what it means to be truly one people with one destiny.

On the eve of Yom HaZikaron, participants joined thousands at the national memorial ceremony at Latrun, held with Masa. As the siren marked a minute of silence, the entire country — and our global family — stood as one. That evening, our World Chairman Sam Grundwerg led the Yizkor prayer on behalf of Keren Hayesod, and a wreath was laid by Bruce Leboff, Chairman of the World Board of Trustees, alongside Esther Frenkiel OAM, Federal President of UIA Australia, in a moment of heartfelt gesture representing our collective grief and eternal gratitude.

Bruce and Esther lay the wreath for the fallen.

At the Rabin Center, a powerful panel gave voice to the stories behind the headlines. Yoseph Haddad — the Arab-Israeli veteran who became an international Hasbara figure, Maayan Sinai — a wounded soldier rebuilding his life with the help of our supported project Adi Negev, Daniel Wais — a Nova survivor who turned famous Israeli singer, Ilana Gritsevsky – the girlfriend of hostage Matan Zangauker, and Sylvia and Luis Cunio — parents of Ariel and David Cunio, who are still being held hostage in Gaza, each shared their journey with raw honesty.

Memory, unity, heroism and national duties. Yom HaZikaron Panel.

Their courage reminded us all why our commitment to rebuilding and supporting Israel must remain unwavering.

But the Israeli trait is the ability to rise with strength from the pain, from Zikaron (Memorial) to Atzmaut (Independence). That evening, we celebrated 77 years of independence with joy and gratitude and honored Meny Samra Cohen with the prestigious Yakir Keren Hayesod award for a lifetime of devotion to the Jewish people. It was a night filled with music, dancing, and pride, reminding us that hope always follows sorrow.

Meni Samara receives a well-deserved honor.

An international but so national joy. Our missions celebrating Israel’s Independence Day.

The week concluded with a taste of something uniquely Israeli: food, laughter, and connection. Near Tel Nof, mission members and IDF soldiers cooked together in a joyful competition guided by top chefs, sharing traditions, stories, and a delicious meal. It was a small but powerful way to say thank you, not just with words, but with warmth.

From mourning to celebration — a table of freedom, friendship, and resilience.

To our friends from around the world: your footsteps on this land, your tears, your smiles, and your strength reminded us that Am Israel is never alone.

Together, we remember. Together, we rebuild.
Together, we carry the heart of Israel forward.