IDF General Staff Holds Memorial Ceremony at Zikim Base Three Years After October 7 Massacre

The IDF's General Staff Forum convened at the Zikim base for a combat memorial ceremony marking three years since the October 7th massacre. The event included the participation of the General Staff Forum, families of fallen soldiers, and wounded veterans from the battle at the base. At 6:29 AM, the forum observed a minute of silence for the victims of the October 7th massacre.

Following the silence, a tour of the base was conducted, during which the heroic battle that took place at Zikim was presented by Brigadier General Elad Edri, Head of the Home Front Command's Staff, who commanded the Extraction Brigade on October 7th. The General Staff Forum members then participated in a panel discussion titled "Between Shattering and Repair," moderated by Major General Dadi Bar-Kalifa, Head of the Manpower Directorate. Panelists included Lieutenant Colonel (Res.) Rabbi Shmuel Slotki, father of Noam and Yishai Slotki, who fell together on October 7th; Mazi Eilon, widow of Tal Eilon, commander of the Kfar Aza emergency squad; Major R., a company commander from the Golani Brigade's 51st Battalion who fought on October 7th; and hostage survivor Avinatan Or.

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir addressed the gathering, stating, "We have convened today at the Zikim base, one of the focal points of combat where our commanders and soldiers stood on the front lines against the enemy's attack." He remembered the commanders and soldiers who fought with determination to protect their trainees, the fierce battles in communities and on roads, and all the fallen and murdered whose lives were cut short, as well as the hostages taken captive. Zamir acknowledged that the IDF failed in its mission to protect Israeli citizens on October 7th, stating, "Hamas terrorists infiltrated communities and bases, massacred, kidnapped, and left behind deep destruction."

Zamir emphasized that while Israel faces a different security reality and has achieved significant accomplishments since that day, these do not erase the failure of October 7th or the responsibility for it. He stressed that this responsibility compels not only remembrance but also change, aiming for national revival and fortification. Addressing the bereaved families, Zamir recognized that their loved ones' absence is irreplaceable and saluted their bravery in saving others amidst the failure. He pledged to carry their memory and life stories forward, to continue acting in their light, and to always stand by the families, survivors, and wounded, incorporating their voices into decision-making processes.