Jonathan Shimri Will Not Run for Knesset in Upcoming Elections

Jonathan Shimri, the head of the "Komo" movement and organizer of the national memorial for October 7th victims' families, announced he will not be a candidate in the upcoming Knesset elections. Shimri, whose brother Alon was mistakenly killed by IDF forces in Gaza's Shuja'iyya neighborhood, stated, "I will not run for the Knesset, on any list, existing or independent. I make this decision with a heavy but whole heart."

Shimri explained his decision to enter politics last November stemmed from a belief that Israel needed a fresh, new political force with different faces and vision. After speaking with thousands of people, he concluded, "the time is likely not ripe." He added that he received many offers from individuals concerned with Israel's welfare but felt he couldn't find a place he was fully comfortable with, sensing a significant responsibility to voice those who cannot speak.

Shimri had considered forming a party to represent a "new generation" taking responsibility for the country, attracting public figures, activists, and a professional team. He claimed internal polls showed his potential party consistently surpassing the electoral threshold.

Previously, at a memorial ceremony he organized for October 7th families a month before his political entry, Shimri recounted his personal experience during the Hamas attack. He described being in a safe room with a pregnant woman and her two-year-old daughter, holding the door handle with one hand and a knife with the other for protection and to cut a cake. He received a message from his brother Idan, fighting terrorists, and then from his younger brother Alon, whose apartment was invaded. Shimri managed to tell Alon he loved him before losing contact, vowing then to rise up.