Israel's US Envoys Mark October 7, Challenge Global Criticism

Israeli diplomatic missions in the United States held official remembrance ceremonies in New York and Washington D.C. to mark three years since the October 7th attacks. Hundreds of diplomats, government officials, community leaders, and Israeli representatives attended the events, which emphasized Israel's message that global criticism cannot be disconnected from the massacre that triggered the war and Israel's need to defend its citizens.

In New York, Consul General Ofir Akunis delivered a strong address to an audience of about a thousand people. He directly addressed Mayor, inviting him to view a film documenting the atrocities, scheduled for screening in the city soon. He contended that some criticism of Israel systematically ignores the massacre, the kidnappings, and the severe harm to civilians.

Akunis also appealed to world leaders, including presidents, prime ministers, and elected officials, asking how they would react if terrorists infiltrated their cities, murdered civilians, burned families, and abducted women, children, and the elderly. The speech aimed to frame Israel's situation not as an abstract political debate but as a fundamental issue of self-defense, asserting that Israel's reaction cannot be assessed separately from the nature of the attack and the threat to its citizens. "The era of sermons is over," Akunis declared, stating that Israel is tired of one-sided, context-free criticism from the West, often driven by internal political considerations. He asserted that Israel will no longer apologize for its right to self-defense, framing the ongoing struggle as both military and ideological, countering attempts to obscure the war's starting point.

Concurrently in Washington, a separate ceremony included U.S. government representatives, diplomats, and members of the Jewish community. A speaker highlighted the severe injury of Neriah Leiter, son of Israel's Ambassador to the U.S. Yechiel Leiter, who was wounded in an attack two weeks prior. This was contrasted with terrorist organizations that choose death and destruction against a culture that sanctifies life. Israeli representatives in Washington stressed that despite heavy losses since October 7th, Israeli society has maintained resilience, combat capability, and the ability to recover. They emphasized that Israel's enemies targeted not only its borders but also the public's spirit and national security. The message reiterated was that Israel continues to stand by its right to exist and defend itself, honoring the sacrifices of its citizens and soldiers as part of its national narrative against terrorism.

The Washington event concluded with lighting a memorial candle for the victims and a multimedia presentation honoring those who saved lives during the October 7th attack. The ceremonies in the U.S. are viewed by Israel not just as commemoration but as a crucial effort to shape the international narrative and secure recognition of its right to self-defense.