In Official Ceremony Russia gives Netanyahu Israeli MIA’s Personal Effects 

During an official ceremony at Russia’s Defense Ministry in Moscow, PM Netanyahu is given the last personal effects belonging to Israel’s soldier, Sgt 1st Class, Zachary Baumel ז”ל who was returned to Israel yesterday, 37 years after becoming MIA in Lebanon.

Arutz Sheva Staff

 

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended an official ceremony of the Russian Ministry of Defense on Thursday afternoon, during which the remaining items belonging to the late Zachary Baumel were handed over to the prime minister.

Among the objects delivered were Baumel’s tank suit and military boots. The ceremony was attended by Chief of Staff of the Russian Army Valery Gerasimov.

In official ceremony Russian Army  gives Netanyahu Israeli MIA’s Personal Effects  – Photo: Kobi Gidon/GPO

Prime Minister Netanyahu thanked the Russian defense establishment. “Thank you very much, sir, thank you again to President Putin and the Defense Ministry of Russia. This exciting day and ceremony are another expression of the special connection between the Russian people and the Jewish people.”

“We never forget the enormous sacrifice of the Russian people and the Red Army to save humanity and save the Jewish people from the Nazi monster. Hundreds of thousands of Jews fought valiantly in the service of the Red Army and many of them we know in Israel are still bearing medals, and many others helped establish the Israel Defense Forces,” Netanyahu added.

“It is therefore heartwarming to see the partnership of values, respect for soldiers, brotherhood of soldiers, camaraderie of soldiers, and the important principle that no one is left behind,” added the prime minister.

At Official Ceremony in Moscow, PM Netanyahu thanks Putin and the Russian Army for IDF Soldier Zachary Baumel’s Remains and Personal Effects – Photo: Kobi Gidon/GPO

“I want to thank you, sir, on behalf of the people of Israel, on behalf of the soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces and on behalf of all the fathers and mothers of our soldiers,” Netanyahu concluded.

During the ceremony, a mourning song was played by the Russian defense ministry band. At the end of the ceremony an Israeli flag placed on a coffin bearing the items was folded by the Guard of Honor and given to the prime minister.

 

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http://www.israelnationalnews.com/News/News.aspx/261394