Traditional Phrase 'May God Avenge His Blood' to Adorn Fallen Soldier's Tombstone

In a significant policy shift, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that the phrase “May God avenge his blood” will be inscribed on the tombstone of fallen soldier Captain Yisrael Yudkin. This decision marks a departure from previous army regulations, which did not permit the traditional Jewish phrase ‘Hashem yikom damo’ on military gravestones.

The Yudkin family’s request to have this phrase on their son's tombstone was initially refused, prompting Defense Minister Gallant to convene with a council of bereaved family members, representatives from the Yad Labanim organization, and the IDF Widows and Orphans Organization. Together, they concluded that the phrase is a widely accepted expression within the Jewish faith.

“By a majority vote, the council determined that ‘Hashem yikom damo’ [May G-d avenge his blood] is not an unusual expression but an accepted wording that is part of the Jewish faith,” the council announced. They also recommended adding the option to inscribe ‘zichro/zichra livracha’ [of blessed memory] on military gravestones at the request of the families.

Following the council's recommendation, Gallant instructed the Ministry of Defense to update the regulations, allowing the inscription on Yudkin’s tombstone and others in the future. The Yudkin family, determined to honor their son’s memory in this traditional way, had stated they would erect a blank headstone if their request was denied.

Tzipi Yudkin, mother of Captain Yisrael Yudkin, shared her family’s ordeal on Channel 14, emphasizing the deep significance of the phrase. “This is not some kind of new concept. It is inscribed not only in Israel but on Jewish graves all over the world. Only the Jewish state forbids inscribing the acronym Hy”d on the gravestone of a Jewish soldier. It is incomprehensible,” she said.

Expressing her resolve, Tzipi added, “It is hard to even say this, but it would be a real tragedy for the country if we had to remove him from Mount Herzl and take him to another holy place where we can engrave ‘May God avenge his blood’ on his tombstone.”

This decision underscores a profound respect for the wishes of bereaved families and aligns with Jewish traditions, ensuring that the memories of fallen soldiers are honored appropriately.

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