Protests Erupt Across Israel Marking 3 Years Since 'Disaster and Massacre'

Protests and demonstrations were held across Israel on Wednesday, October 7, marking three years since what is described as a "disaster and massacre." At 6:29 AM, a protest display was unveiled opposite the Knesset building in Jerusalem, while in Tel Aviv, demonstrators blocked the Ayalon highways in both directions. Protests also took place outside the homes of Justice Minister Yariv Levin and Knesset Speaker Amir Ohana, resulting in the arrest of one demonstrator. Outside Minister Levin's home in Modi'in, protesters voiced their objection to the lack of an official state inquiry commission, with one bereaved parent stating, "This is not a mistake, but policy." The parent added, "It seems words have run out. But we are required to stand here again and again. Why? Because while we are mourning, you are deceiving us! Three years have passed and the truth is still held hostage. Three years against us. Three years in which you prevented, delayed, thwarted the most basic thing a state owes its citizens after a disaster of this magnitude, a state inquiry commission. The absence of the commission is not a mistake, but policy."

A minute of civil silence was observed on the Ayalon highways, and a display of burnt cars was presented in the Knesset. A chilling protest display was also set up in Dizengoff Square in Tel Aviv, where the fountain, a site of remembrance since the immediate aftermath of the massacre, was painted red.