Israel to Add 'Kidnapped' to Gravestones of Oct. 7 Victims

Israel's Ministry of Defense is set to discuss new regulations that would allow the word "kidnapped" to be added to the gravestones of soldiers and civilians who were abducted on October 7 and later returned for burial. The proposed change, which aims to acknowledge the unique circumstances of their deaths, was initiated by families of the victims. Robi Chen, father of fallen soldier Sgt. Itay Chen, led the effort, joined by other bereaved families.

The Public Council for Commemoration of the Soldier has reviewed the matter and recommended approving the change, while striving to maintain uniformity in military cemeteries. The initiative has been coordinated with the IDF, the Families and Commemoration Division, and the legal advisor to the defense establishment.

If the regulations are approved by the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee, the defense establishment plans to immediately begin replacing headstones for 20 fallen soldiers and three civilians. The process is being expedited to be completed before the anniversary of October 7.

This is not the first time gravestone inscriptions have been a point of contention. In 2024, the family of Capt. Israel Yudkin requested to add the acronym "HY"D" (May his blood avenge) to his headstone, a request initially denied by the Ministry of Defense before being reversed. Former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ultimately adopted the council's recommendation, allowing families to choose between "HY"D" or "Zichrono Livracha" (May his memory be a blessing). The current proposal reflects an adaptation of commemoration rules to the new realities following the October 7 attacks.