The fight for Israel's existence that has been fought since the 1948 War of Independence is not over, Defense Minister Ehud Barak wrote in a letter to families of fallen soldiers on the eve of Remembrance Day Tuesday.
Israel has and continues to face "challenges and struggles over our very existence here," Barak wrote. "That fight is not over and the price is very heavy."
Even in its 64th year of independence, great challenges lie ahead of Israel but the state is doing everything to strengthen itself, the defense minister continued, pointing to "loyalty, perseverance and bravery form the basis of our strength and our ability to stand against every enemy, near and far."
Addressing the bereaved families, Barak said that as defense minister he stands by their side and promised not to give up on the dream of peace.
