Every year, on Yom Hazikaron, Israel Memorial Day, Israeli society comes together to mourn the thousands of soldiers who have fallen protecting the State and guaranteeing its existence, as well as the thousands of civilian victims of terror.
A dimension of the nation's story of loss not often told is that of the diplomats and official representatives whose lives were taken while serving the country abroad.
As publically identifiable representatives of Israel around the world - men and women who fly the national flag both literally and figuratively wherever they go - Israel's diplomatic personnel are a constant target for attack by Palestinian terror organizations.
Sadly, diplomatic immunity is of no use when it comes to this terrorist threat.
Over the years, sixteen diplomats and foreign service personnel have been murdered in the line of duty. The fact that these heroes wore business suits rather than military fatigues does not diminish in any way their own personal contribution to the national effort to secure our country and ensure its well-being.
As the nation mourns its fallen soldiers and victims of terrorism, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs also mourns the loss of its own murdered diplomats and staffers, who gave their lives in the service of the State of Israel so that the people of Israel may live in peace, security and prosperity.