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Yonatan Michael Curry

Har Herzl and the Maccabees

Every year during Chanukah, my thoughts turn to the Military Cemetery on Har Herzl.

Though I have never visited Israel during Chanukah, on every other one of my annual trips to Israel, I make it a point to visit the graves of soldiers buried in the military section of Har Herzl.

It resonates with me that the sacrifices of Israel’s soldiers is comparable to those made by our ancient ancestors which we remember at this time.

Though one would not want such a holy site to become a tourist attraction, I think it might be fitting to somehow commemorate Chanukah at the Har Herzl military cemetery.

Every time I visit the graves, several of which I have adopted, I am struck by the peace and sense of purpose that my visit leaves me with. This may have something to do with the calm isolation that the site evokes, but more so I think, with the powerful emotions that are kindled in remembering the many sacrifices that those buried there have made.

In doing so they  have helped in the establishment of the present day State of Israel.

I can’t help but think that were they alive to-day the Maccabees of old would feel a sense of kinship and sense of purpose were they to visit the present day graves on Har Herzl.

About the Author
Yonatan Michael Curry is retired Canadian Public servant who has been a frequent traveler to Israel since 2003. With an interest in daily life and its associated values he brings a fresh, observant and unbiased view on various aspects of Israeli daily life. And not without a bit of humour. Though he has never rented a car while there Yonatan has travelled the length and breadth of Israel.