Israel Holds National Memorial Day for October 7 Victims

Israel observed its National Day of Remembrance on Monday, October 5, commemorating the victims of the October 7 Hamas attacks and those lost in the subsequent "Swords of Iron" war. State flags were lowered at presidential and parliamentary buildings at 6:29 AM, the exact time of the Hamas assault three years prior. The IDF General Staff held a moment of silence at the Zikim base, which was attacked on October 7, 2023.

A state memorial ceremony took place at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem at 11:00 AM, honoring those killed in the war and all security personnel who have fallen since October 7, 2023. Attendees included President Yitzhak Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir, Supreme Court President Yitzhak Amit, Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, Inspector General of Police Dani Levy, Shin Bet head David Zini, and Mossad head Roman Gofman.

Prime Minister Netanyahu addressed ongoing challenges in Gaza, Lebanon, and against Iran, vowing that Hamas would not govern Gaza again and that Israel would pursue those holding hostages. "There are threats, we will act against them. There will be trials, and, with God's help, we will endure them," he stated.

President Herzog emphasized the necessity of investigating the failures that led to the October 7 attacks, calling for a "decisive, courageous, and impartial" inquiry into ignored warnings while cautioning against deepening societal divisions. Chief of Staff Eyal Zamir acknowledged the army's responsibility in a message, stating, "The IDF failed in its highest mission, to protect the citizens of the State of Israel." He pledged that the army would investigate and implement lessons learned, also praising the bravery of soldiers, reservists, security forces, and civilians who fought on October 7.

A second state ceremony at 2:00 PM at the Mount Herzl memorial site honored those killed on October 7 and their heroism. President Herzog highlighted the actions of citizens, soldiers, police, and rescuers who independently went to combat zones to evacuate people, stating, "Israelis leave no one behind."

The National Day of Remembrance, observed two days after Simchat Torah according to the Hebrew calendar, fell on October 5 in 2026. Additional memorial events are scheduled for Wednesday, October 7, including a national evening ceremony in Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park and a ceremony near Re'im for victims of the Nova music festival, which began at 6:29 PM.