On Remembrance Day eve, President Shimon Peres says, ´We shall forever remain indebted to fallen soldiers´

Israelis across the country observed a moment of silence on Tuesday evening in memory of 22,993 fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism who were killed since 1860.

The siren marked the beginning of this year´s Remembrance Day events and was followed by a memorial service at the Western Wall, attended by President Shimon Peres and IDF Chief of Staff Benny Gantz.

President Peres said: "Israel was born out of a great dream, and built a reality greater than that dream. Today´s IDF is stronger than ever, and possesses strategic wisdom and sophisticated technology. Peace will come thanks to the fallen troops."

"Your beloved ones had a crucial part in the achievements of the state," he said, addressing the bereaved families. "We shall forever remain indebted to your children. No act or gesture on our part can relieve your pain and the memories that will not vanish."

IDF chief Gantz said, "We have the duty to bridge the gaps, stand side by side and serve in the IDF, our army… If we manage to preserve our determination and maintain an inner peace, we will be able to gather the strength necessary to deter our enemies from our borders and allow for peace.

A memorial sing-along is also being held at the Knesset, and is attended by Knesset Speaker Rivlin and Defense Minister Ehud Barak, among others.

On Wednesday, various memorial services are to be held, concluding with a torch-lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl at 8 pm.

Meanwhile, a letter addressed to Public Diplomacy and Diaspora Affairs Minister Yuli Edelstein arrived at his office, warning the authorities to cancel the Independence Day ceremony "and move it to a closed venue before state officials are hurt."

The envelope included a newspaper clipping with an article about the fatal stage incident that occurred on Mount Herzl during rehearsals for the event, which is set to take place on Wednesday evening. The ministry filed a complaint with the police.

A total of 126 new names have been added to the list of Israel´s fallen soldiers and terrorism victims in the past year. Israel now has 10,524 bereaved families who have lost 22,993 loved ones. The families include 2,396 orphans and 4,992 widows. Attila Somfalvi contributed to this report (Copyright 2012 © Yedioth Internet 04/24/12)