Remembering and Giving: Honoring Our Soldiers on Yom Hazikaron
Apr 21, 2026
Sirens sound. Conversations pause. For a moment, an entire nation stands together in silence, remembering the soldiers who gave their lives and the families who carry their memory every day.
Behind each name is a story. A young person with hopes, dreams, and a future that was cut short. Their sacrifice is not only remembered, but deeply felt across the country.
Yad Ezra V’Shulamit stands with the nation in honoring the fallen soldiers of the IDF.
Remembering Warrant Officer (res.) Barak Kalfon z”l
This year, we salute Warrant Officer (res.) Barak Kalfon z”l of Brigade 226.
Barak Kalfon served in Battalion Hiram 7056. During combat in southern Lebanon, he was wounded after entering a booby-trapped building, and later died from his wounds on Friday, the 30th of Nisan, 5786 (April 17, 2026).
In his civilian life, Barak worked as an engineer at Rafael Advanced Defense Systems. He was a husband to Shlomit and a devoted father to his two daughters, Noga and Mia. He was 48 years old.
May his memory be a blessing.
Barak’s story is one of courage and dedication. It is also a reminder of the responsibility we carry as a people to care for one another.
Standing With Those Who Serve
So many have sacrificed for the people and land of Israel.
The soldiers we remember came from every corner of Israeli society. Many stood on the front lines to protect the country and its people, often leaving behind their families and in some cases, serving far from home.
Among them are lone soldiers, young men and women who come to Israel on their own, without immediate family nearby, choosing to serve and give of themselves for the greater good.
At Yad Ezra V’Shulamit, we are proud to stand with our soldiers.
Throughout the year, we support lone soldiers by providing grocery vouchers ahead of Pesach and Rosh Hashanah, helping ensure they have what they need even when they are far from home. We also send care packages and food to our troops, a small gestures that carry a powerful message of appreciation and solidarity.
At the same time, many soldiers choose to give back in a different way.
In our warehouses, soldiers can often be found volunteering and packing food boxes, preparing deliveries, and helping ensure that families in need receive essential support. Their presence is a powerful reminder of the spirit of giving that runs through our community.
From Receiving to Giving
This year, we witnessed something especially meaningful.
Girls from our Jerusalem Children’s Center, who themselves receive support, came together to prepare care packages for IDF soldiers.
Each package included treats, along with heartfelt letters filled with appreciation and encouragement.
It was a powerful moment to see those who receive help become the ones who give.
Their packages brought smiles to soldiers and reminded them that they are seen, appreciated, and not alone.
From Remembrance to Action
On a day of remembrance, we reflect on those we have lost and carry forward their legacy through action.
By caring for one another, supporting those in need, and strengthening the community they gave their lives to protect, we ensure that their sacrifice is never forgotten.
Every act of kindness matters. Every effort to help another person carries meaning.
Together, We Remember.
Yom Hazikaron is a day of sorrow, but also of unity.
As we remember Warrant Officer (res.) Barak Kalfon z”l and so many others, we are reminded of the strength of our people and the responsibility we share to look after one another.