in memory of israel's fallen soldiers, silver 38.6mm medal

IN MEMORY OF ISRAEL’S FALLEN SOLDIERS
STATE MEDAL 5763/2003

On the eve of Israel’s Memorial Day 5754/1994, the late Yitzhak Rabin, Prime Minister at the time and IDF Chief of Staff during the Six Day War, sat down to write a letter to the bereaved families. “It is already late at night,” he wrote, “and I know that sleep does not come easily. You are constantly reminded of the words, the images and the memories of your son, daughter, father, husband, brother. They appear over and over again in your dreams, in the Spring of their youth, wanting to live, to love and to build their dreams – young men and women looking towards the future with hope . . . What words can console you on this eve of Memorial Day? Just be strong and courageous, for the sake of your family, for the sake of all of us.”
This State Medal is dedicated to the memory of all who have fallen in Israel’s battles, more than 20,000 in number, each with his unique story, intertwined into the story of the country’s constant struggle for survival. The issuing of the medal was initiated by the parents of the late Sergeant Sharon Shitubi, killed in action at Kfar Darom. The clean and reserved design of the medal, in salute to the fallen, displays the Israeli Flag lowered to half mast.

Obverse: Three Israeli flags lowered to half mast; the words “In Memory of Israel’s Fallen Soldiers” appears in Hebrew along the upper right. The inscription “In Honor of the Bereaved Families” appears in Hebrew along the lower right section of the medal version presented to the bereaved families.

Reverse: The verse from Samuel II 1:19 “How are the mighty fallen”, in Hebrew; an olive branch to the right and the State emblem below.

Edge: State emblem with the words "STATE OF ISRAEL" inscribed in Hebrew on the right and in English on the left; the serial number.

Designer:
Obverse: Abraham Pet.
Reverse: Igal Gabay.

Engraving: Germany.

Mint:
Bronze medal: Hecht.
Gold and Silver Medals: