Bereaved Families Demand National, Not State, Inquiry Commission

Dozens of bereaved families, representing the "Gevura" and "Din V'Tzedek" forums, gathered to demand the establishment of a national inquiry commission to examine the failures and conduct of all systems leading up to the October 7th attacks. They stated that this is a "will written in the blood of our loved ones."

The families are calling for an impartial commission that will earn the trust of all segments of society. They also urged the public to focus on the heroism of the fallen and promote unity during these difficult times, rather than exploiting the period of mourning for political purposes.

One spokesperson, Pitosi, speaking from a protest tent in Jerusalem, appealed to the Prime Minister to establish a national commission with broad tools, resources, and powers of recommendation for punishment and prosecution. He emphasized that the commission should not be appointed by those who have lost public trust, but rather be equitable and national, with true representation from all parts of the nation. He also called on Israelis to fly the flag, be proud of the heroes, and foster unity.

Another spokesperson, Cohen, explained that their proposed "National Inquiry Commission Law" is modeled after the 9/11 commission in the US, with equitable and responsible composition. He expressed regret that some public officials are cynically using the sensitive issue, declaring their intention to form a "state commission" of Supreme Court justices, thereby excluding hundreds of families who do not trust such a body. Cohen declared that the upcoming elections are a referendum on the inquiry commission issue, urging citizens to vote only for candidates who pledge to establish an equitable national commission immediately after the elections.