Israel Marks Third Anniversary of October 7 Attacks with National Day of Remembrance

Israel observed a national day of remembrance on Monday, October 5, marking the third anniversary of the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. State flags were lowered to half-mast at the Knesset and the President's Residence to commemorate the victims and heroes of the attacks and the subsequent war.

Ceremonies commenced at precisely 6:29 AM, the same time the Hamas assault began. At the Knesset, the ceremony was attended by the parliament's speaker and an honor guard, with wreaths laid at monuments and a memorial candle lit. President Isaac Herzog also lowered the flag at his residence, symbolizing national mourning for civilians and soldiers killed, as well as for the wounded and affected.

Major state events are scheduled throughout the day in Jerusalem. President Herzog is set to speak at Mount Herzl at 11:00 AM, followed by a state memorial ceremony for the October 7 victims at 2:00 PM, with families of the deceased invited.

The Israeli military also held remembrance events. The IDF General Staff Forum conducted a ceremony at the Zikim base, a target during the October 7 attacks, observing a moment of silence. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir acknowledged the army's failure to protect Israeli citizens, stressing the need for investigation and learning from the events. He vowed that the IDF would proactively identify and decisively act against threats.

This day of remembrance was officially established following a Knesset law passed in July 2026, aimed at preserving the memory of the October 7 events and honoring heroism. The law mandates an annual national day of remembrance, flag-lowering, commemorative and educational activities, and the creation of a special body to memorialize the events. It also provides for a memorial complex, museum, and archive in southern Israel to preserve related materials.