Israel Honors Military Officers and Innovation Leaders During Historic 78th Independence Day Torch Lighting Ceremony

Israel honors Col. Mem, Maj. Nurit Rokah, and tech leaders at the Mount Herzl ceremony, recognizing military sacrifice and civilian innovation.

By: AXL Media

Published: Apr 21, 2026, 2:19 PM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from Times of Israel

Elite Military Personnel Lead Symbolic Recognition

The commencement of the torch lighting ceremony on Mount Herzl was marked by the presence of two prominent Israel Defense Forces officers, Colonel Mem and Major Nurit Rokah. Colonel Mem, whose identity remains classified due to his role as the head of the Israeli Air Force Iran department, appeared in protective gear to maintain operational security. He dedicated his torch to the collective efforts of the standing army and reserves, praising those who work continuously across air, sea, and land to maintain the nation's offensive and defensive posture.

A Testament to Resilience in the Face of Injury

Major Nurit Rokah stood as a symbol of physical sacrifice and persistence, having survived two significant combat incidents. Initially wounded during the defense of the Urim base on October 7, 2023, Rokah returned to service only to be severely injured again during a Hamas ambush in the Gaza Strip in April 2025. As a commander within the Border Defense Corps Combat Intelligence Collection Array, she used her platform to honor her fellow intelligence personnel operating along and beyond the national borders.

Technological Innovation and Economic Leadership

The ceremony expanded its scope beyond the military to recognize the civilian sectors that drive the nation's global standing. Gili Raanan, a prominent venture capitalist and cybersecurity entrepreneur, was selected to light a torch as a representative of the country's innovation ecosystem. Raanan was celebrated for his role in leading the tech sector, which remains a vital component of the national identity and economic stability even during periods of intense geopolitical volatility.