Seven Giant Flags to Symbolize Israeli Memory and Unity

A national-social initiative called "Otef Israel" (Gaza Envelope Israel) has been launched by five entrepreneurs and reservist soldiers to erect seven giant flags across Israel. The project aims to create landmarks for remembrance, unity, Jewish identity, and heritage. The first flag, standing at 61 meters, the tallest in Israel, was raised on August 18, 2026, in Nitzanei Oz. The inauguration ceremony was attended by President Yitzhak Herzog, bereaved families, the chairman of the Jewish National Fund (JNF), local authority heads, and hostage survivor Elkana Buhbot.

The site in Nitzanei Oz, located near the 5th Brigade monument, spans approximately 800 square meters beneath the flag. It is designed as a memorial and meeting space, featuring seating areas, benches, a pergola, water fountains, electricity points, and a pathway. The initiative also intends to provide a collective memorial space for families who lack a dedicated site for their loved ones. The complex is envisioned for use by families, schools, and groups for remembrance events, educational tours, and connecting with the stories of fallen soldiers and Zionism.

The project was conceived during the ongoing war, stemming from the personal experiences of its founders. Yan Studin, a resident of the Gaza envelope whose friends were murdered on October 7th and whose son and mother narrowly escaped an attack on their home, was inspired by seeing the Jordanian flag while evacuated in Eilat. Shalev Aton, a 29-year-old reservist who served over 200 days, proposed the flag idea to Studin. Yoav Lazar, a 32-year-old company commander and reservist who was deployed to Kfar Aza on October 7th, also joined the initiative. The establishment of the Nitzanei Oz site took approximately three years of work and resource mobilization, with the Lev HaSharon Regional Council donating the land.

Future plans include establishing additional sites across the country and developing educational routes that connect local narratives, the memory of the fallen, Zionism, and Israeli identity. The initiative also seeks to create a memorial site in the Nova music festival area, in cooperation with the JNF.