Troops across elite IDF units commemorated Memorial Day with dedicated races and navigation events
(April 30, 2025 / JNS) In the lead-up to Israel’s Memorial Day, thousands of Israel Defense Forces soldiers took part in “Running in Their Memory,” a series of commemorative events held across elite units to honor comrades who fell in the line of duty.
More than 800 active-duty troops, reservists and support personnel joined the Yahalom Unit’s inaugural memorial race, establishing a new tradition for the elite combat engineering unit. In the Egoz commando unit, over 250 fighters ran a 9-kilometer (5.6-mile) route symbolizing the unit’s number—621.
Duvdevan Unit soldiers participated in “Navigating in Their Memory,” with each team honoring specific fallen comrades through navigational challenges and values-based discussion circles. Meanwhile, Meitar Unit combatants and support staff ran a 5-kilometer (3.1-mile) course from Ramat Gan Stadium, each dedicating their run to a fallen soldier. The event concluded with remembrance circles to share their stories.
These memorial initiatives reflect the IDF’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the fallen through meaningful, unit-driven traditions.
PHOTOS and VIDEO: IDF soldiers from elite units participate in memorial runs and navigation events held in honor of fallen comrades ahead of Israel’s Memorial Day, April 2025. Credit: IDF Use according to Section 27 A