Memorial Ceremony Marks Three Years Since October 7th Massacre
Translated & summarized from Walla by baba
The story in 5 lines · by baba
- Hundreds attended a memorial for the October 7th massacre in the Gaza Envelope.
- Speakers demanded a state commission of inquiry into the events.
- Bereaved families planted trees and listened to memorial songs.
- Regional leaders reported on community recovery and new births.
- KKL-JNF pledged continued support for rehabilitation and settlement.
Hundreds of people gathered Sunday evening in the "Swords of Iron Forest" in the Gaza Envelope for a state memorial ceremony commemorating three years since the October 7th massacre. Participants included residents from kibbutzim and moshavim in the western Negev, southern city dwellers, bereaved families, former hostages, and representatives of security forces. The ceremony was held in the memorial forest established by KKL-JNF (Jewish National Fund) in memory of those killed and fallen in the massacre and the subsequent war.
Bereaved families planted trees in the forest to honor their loved ones, with each tree marked by a sign allowing visitors to listen to a song chosen by the family. During the event, Lior Shimha, Secretary General of the Kibbutz Movement, called for a state commission of inquiry, stating, "What happened must never happen again. We must look the truth in the eye." He added, "We will remember. We will fix. We will rebuild Israel."
Uri Epstein, Head of the Sha'ar HaNegev Regional Council, who lost his eldest son Netta and other family members in the massacre, echoed the call for a state commission of inquiry. "Three years later, we demand to know the truth. We demand a state commission of inquiry. Because without truth there is no responsibility, without responsibility there is no trust, and without trust, we cannot rebuild our home," he said.
Michal Ouziahu, Head of the Eshkol Regional Council, reported on the region's recovery, noting that 752 babies have been born in Eshkol since October 7th. "The communities are returning, families and young people are joining, and the farmers continue to work the land," she said, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring a different reality for the children.
Amit Yifrach, Secretary General of the Moshavim Movement, stated that their responsibility is to make the area a place where life continues to grow, where people return home, work the land, rebuild communities, and raise the next generation. Eyal Osterinsky, Chairman of KKL-JNF, affirmed the organization's continued commitment to rehabilitating the region and strengthening settlement in the Gaza Envelope.
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