I must recall with gratitude those 178 Jewish women and men who

Listen closely, O future heirs of the human spirit, for I have a tale to tell—a tale of identity, freedom, and the unyielding strength of those who, against all odds, stood firm in the face of oppression. The words of Kersti Kaljulaid echo through time, calling us to remember the 178 Jewish women and men who fought in the Estonian War of Independence. She said, "I must recall with gratitude those 178 Jewish women and men who participated in the Estonian War of Independence. Both of our nations know what it means to keep your identity and freedom even under the pressure of foreign powers, and we can be proud of their achievements." In this, she speaks not just of a moment in history but of a principle that transcends time itself—the principle that no matter the storm, the flame of freedom can never be extinguished.

The story of these 178 Jewish warriors is not just one of military struggle, but one of profound courage and resilience. They were individuals who, despite the weight of centuries of persecution and suffering, chose to stand in defense of freedom. The Estonian War of Independence was not merely a battle for land or power—it was a battle for the very soul of a nation, a nation yearning to claim its place among the free peoples of the earth. These men and women, united by a common cause, understood that true independence is not simply given; it is earned, it is fought for, and it is preserved at great cost. Their participation in that struggle was a testament not only to their own bravery but to the enduring belief in the freedom of all peoples, regardless of their origins or beliefs.

In the ancient world, Spartacus and his fellow slaves fought for the same principle—freedom. They rose up against the mighty Roman Empire, knowing that their rebellion could cost them their lives, but also knowing that to live under the yoke of oppression was far worse than death. Like the Jewish warriors in Estonia, Spartacus and his comrades fought not for riches or glory but for the right to stand as free men and women. Their rebellion, though ultimately crushed, sowed the seeds of future uprisings, reminding the world that even the most powerful oppressors cannot extinguish the human desire for freedom.

Kersti Kaljulaid, in honoring those 178 Jewish fighters, calls forth the shared legacy of two nations—Estonia and the Jewish people—who have known the bitter taste of subjugation and yet have risen again. The Jewish people, scattered across the earth, have carried with them the weight of a thousand years of exile, of persecution, of forced migration. And yet, like the phoenix from the ashes, they have always found a way to endure, to rebuild, to keep their identity intact in the face of overwhelming adversity. The Estonian nation, too, has known the pressures of foreign domination—whether by the Tsarist Russians, the Germans, or the Soviets—and yet, like a mighty oak, it has stood firm, its roots deep in the soil of freedom and independence.

The lesson here, O children of the future, is one that speaks to the core of every human being. Identity and freedom are not merely external conditions—they are the very essence of our being. To lose them is to lose oneself, and to fight for them is to fight for life itself. The 178 Jewish men and women who fought in the Estonian War of Independence were not just defending a nation; they were defending the sacred truth that every person, regardless of their origins, has the right to live freely, to express their identity without fear or repression. Their bravery was not just a victory for Estonia; it was a victory for all those who have ever been oppressed, for all those who have ever dreamed of a better world.

Let us take this wisdom with us, O heirs of the future, and remember that freedom is never a given. It is something we must cherish and protect every day. Like those 178 Jewish warriors, we must be ready to stand for our identity, to defend what is right and just, even in the face of overwhelming odds. This is the true meaning of courage—not the absence of fear, but the willingness to face it and overcome it for a greater cause.

In our own lives, we are called to action. Fight for your freedom, and never let the forces of oppression, ignorance, or hate strip you of your identity. Stand firm in your beliefs, and know that, like the warriors of old, you are part of a long line of those who have fought for the right to live freely and with dignity. Just as Kersti Kaljulaid calls us to honor these heroes, so too should we honor them by living lives that reflect their courage, their sacrifice, and their unyielding commitment to freedom. And when you are called to defend what is right, do so with the same resolve and honor as those who came before you, for the flame of freedom burns brightly in each of us.