In war, the world shifts violently. Lives are lost, homes destroyed and entire communities displaced. Much of the focus, and rightly so, centers on protecting the living: the wounded, the displaced, the traumatized. But amid the chaos and devastation, we must remember something that every religion preaches: that dignity does not belong solely to the living, but to the dead as well.

Since the attacks on Oct. 7, 2023, Israel has faced relentless violence from Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthis and Iran. In response, extraordinary efforts have been mobilized to save lives, support survivors and protect communities. But even in times of total crisis, there is another sacred obligation that must not be forgotten: ensuring dignity for those who have died.

Dignity for the dead is not symbolic. It is the foundation of human values. It is what distinguishes a civilized society from one that has surrendered to dehumanization. It is a statement about who we are, what we honor, what we refuse to forget and what we believe every human being is owed, even after life has ended.

In Jewish tradition, this principle is embodied in Kavod HaMeis, the commandment to treat the dead with respect. This is not an abstract religious custom. It reflects a........

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