Israel Plans Extensive Commemorations for Third Anniversary of October 7th Attacks

As the third anniversary of the October 7th Hamas attacks approaches, Israel is preparing a week-long series of events and protests organized by the October Council, an umbrella group for bereaved families and former hostages. The commemorations aim to ensure the events are not forgotten and to demand accountability.

The events will commence on Saturday, October 3rd, with the opening of a memorial exhibition titled "The Void That Remains" at the Peres Center for Peace and Innovation. This exhibition will feature personal items from dozens of victims of the October 7th massacre.

On Wednesday, October 7th, the main day of remembrance, activities will span the country. These include a moment of silence at 6:29 AM, followed by statements from families and protest displays in various locations. Protests are also planned outside the homes of ministers who were part of the government on October 7th, described as "wake-up calls." A convoy, "The Path of Abandonment," will depart from Caesarea to Tel Aviv, and a women's protest focusing on "abandonment to responsibility" will take place in Tel Aviv. Additional convoys will converge for a ceremony in Ben Shemen Forest. Families will also participate in memorial services in Gaza border communities and across Israel.

Throughout the day, a minute of remembrance is scheduled at hospitals, tech companies, and restaurants. The "The Void That Remains" exhibition will open to the public in Jaffa. The council also indicated that surprise protest actions might occur, similar to previous years. In the evening, protests are scheduled in Haifa, Afula, and other locations, leading to a central family ceremony at 9:00 PM in Tel Aviv's Ganei Yehoshua Park, which will be broadcast to other sites.

The October Council stated, "Three years after October 7th, this day must not become just another date on the calendar. Behind the numbers are people, families, and entire lives that were cut short, and behind the disaster are still questions that the Israeli public deserves answers to." They are calling for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry immediately upon the formation of the next government.

Additionally, a social media project called "Don't Forget Them," led by Hila Avir, will launch, connecting cultural figures with bereaved families to share personal stories of the victims. The exhibition will include items like the balance bike of Ariel Bibas, the beret of observer Roni Eshel, and the stethoscope of paramedic Amit Man, among others. A "wall of questions" will allow visitors to write down issues they believe require investigation.