So tonight was Yom Hazikaron across Israel. It is the saddest day of the calendar remembering over 24,000 people who have died in war or terrorist attacks since 1948.
We had arrived at our hotel this evening and could not, indeed would not, let this remembrance day go without acknowledgment. In Israel they sound a siren at 8pm - and again at 11am tomorrow for a minutes silence. People stop whatever they are doing. Cars pull over on the motorway. Everybody stops to remember.
We held a brief memorial service and read poems and stories from families who had suffered loss.
We were also honoured to be joined by the Malki Foundation - Arnold and Eli. They came because the trek is raising money for JCD and for the Malki Foundation.
Arnold told us the story of his daughter - Malki - who was murdered in a terrorist attach in 2001. In her name, to ensure her memory is never forgotten, his family created a foundation to help support severely disabled children receive non medical therapy in the home or in the most suitable environment that parents may need.
His story was heart wrenching and his passion to help children in need is contagious. They are doing phenomenal work and JCD is doing everything we can to continue to support them.
Read more about the foundation and about Malki at their website.