Title: Mother of Fallen Soldier Criticizes Prime Minister at Mount Herzl Ceremony
Date: [Insert Date]
Leah Goldin, the mother of Lieutenant Hadar Goldin, who tragically lost his life during the Tzuk Eitan operation and whose body is still being held in Gaza, expressed her disappointment with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu during an interview with “Almog Bashishi”. Goldin criticized the government’s handling of her son’s situation, stating that those responsible for sending Hadar to Gaza refuse to acknowledge their guilt.
During the interview, Goldin dismissed a threatening letter addressed to the Prime Minister regarding the return of her son’s body, labeling it as a mere provocation and manipulation. Instead, she called on Netanyahu to prioritize the return of fallen soldiers, declaring, “Bring back our children. This is your chance.”
The letter specifically mentioned Hadar Goldin’s name and urged Netanyahu to expedite the return of his body. However, Leah Goldin emphasized that her focus lies on instilling Yoni Netanyahu’s values in her children, which she considers paramount.
Leah Goldin was also questioned about her daughter Ayelet’s impassioned plea to Netanyahu during a recent event. Ayelet described the emotional toll of waiting for her brother’s remains and expressed her frustration at the government’s failure to prioritize their return. She called out the Prime Minister for neglecting his responsibilities, asserting that he has consistently abandoned the missing soldiers. Ayelet’s confrontation with Netanyahu occurred during the recent state memorial ceremony at Mount Herzl.
Leah Goldin highlighted the “terrible humiliation” and isolation her family experienced at the ceremony. She revealed that they were confined within a fenced-off area, surrounded by police officers, and intentionally avoided by public representatives. Leah expressed her heartbreak at hearing her daughter’s cries, remarking that Ayelet is a staunch Zionist and fighter who identifies with the values of her late brother.
Emphasizing her stance, Leah Goldin stated, “Hadar is in Gaza for the wrong reasons, and he could be brought back home any day. We were raised to never give up, and our mission is to bring Hadar back. It’s difficult to witness the Prime Minister, who made promises above and beyond, doing nothing.”
Yesterday, a solemn state memorial ceremony was held at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem to honor the martyrs of the Tzuk Eitan operation. The attendance of bereaved parents was notably sparse this year, requiring organizers to fill the front rows with soldiers.
During his speech, Prime Minister Netanyahu acknowledged the significance of Operation Rock Eitan in ensuring Israel’s security in the turbulent Middle East. He reiterated the government’s commitment to retrieving the missing soldiers: Hadar Goldin, Oron Shaul, Avra Mengistu, and Hisham a-Sayed.
As Netanyahu was leaving the ceremony, Ayelet Goldin confronted him, accusing him of nine years of abandonment. Challenging the Prime Minister’s values, she stated that she would teach her children based on the principles exemplified by Netanyahu’s late brother, Yoni. Ayelet demanded that Netanyahu look her in the eyes and take responsibility for leaving soldiers and civilians behind.
The anguish and frustration expressed by the Goldin family highlight the ongoing pain endured by loved ones of fallen soldiers and the pressing need to bring closure by returning their remains.