New Digital Archive Preserves October 7th Testimonies for Global Audience

Three years after the October 7th attacks, the Friends of the IDF (FIDF) in the United States has launched a new digital video library to preserve firsthand accounts from survivors and those affected by the Hamas assault. The archive, presented entirely in English, aims to make these crucial testimonies accessible to an international audience, particularly supporters of Israel in the US.

The initial phase of the archive features over 50 filmed testimonies, totaling more than 12 hours of content. These accounts come from a diverse group including former hostages, soldiers, reservists, bereaved families, and individuals whose lives were irrevocably changed by the events. Prominent among the former hostages featured are Noa Argamani, Amit Soussana, Maya Regev, Almog Meir Jan, Idan Alexander, and Maxim Harkin.

The testimonies are categorized to offer various perspectives on the events of October 7th and its aftermath. The collection also includes accounts from soldiers, lone soldiers, reservists, and families of those killed. Notable contributors include Moshe and Shira Shapira, parents of fallen Sergeant Major Anar Shapira; Rabbi Doron Peretz, father of fallen Captain Daniel Peretz; Colonel Elad Edri, who provides a firsthand account of the attack on the Zikim base; and IDF fighter Eazy Azagui, who returned to reserve duty after being injured.

FIDF plans to continuously expand the library with additional stories and testimonies in the coming years. A key objective is to reach audiences outside of Israel, including Jewish and Christian communities in the United States, enabling them to hear directly from those who experienced the events. "Three years later, it is important not only to preserve these testimonies but also to make them accessible in English to communities that support Israel and the IDF soldiers," stated FIDF Director General, Maj. Gen. (res.) Nadav Padan.

This digital archive represents a shift from real-time news documentation to a lasting digital repository for the memory of October 7th. By consolidating scattered interviews, videos, and publications into a single, accessible platform, the project ensures that the stories and the people behind that day remain available for years to come.