Israel Marks Three Years Since October 7 Massacre With Memorial Events

Israel is commemorating the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, which occurred on the holiday of Simchat Torah in 2023. Memorial ceremonies and events were held across the country to honor the victims and fallen.

Former minister Avigdor Lieberman recounted his reaction to seeing videos of terrorist infiltrations, stating, "When I received videos of terrorist infiltrations, my phone fell from my hands." Former Prime Minister Naftali Bennett reflected on the day, saying, "The ground in the country opened up, but a generation of lions saved lives."

Gadi Eisenkot, alongside Shimon and Moshe Shapira, parents of fallen soldier Anar Shapira, visited the shelter in Re'im where their son fought, saved, and fell. Eisenkot noted, "This is supreme heroism, to protect 26 people, most of whom you don't know, and leave operational instructions in case you fall, so they know how to continue." Sharon Aviani, wife of the security coordinator who fell in Kfar Aza, shared her pain: "In my head, you are going there and killing them. There are probably two or three of them and you are 15. But I see something else in your eyes. The coffee remained on the counter. Without saying goodbye, without a hug, without a kiss, without words. You didn't return and until today I wait for you to return."

The President and his wife lit a memorial candle at the President's Residence at 6:29 AM. Memorial ceremonies were held in Kfar Aza, including lowering flags to half-mast at the armory. A moment of silence and salute took place at the memorial ceremony in Sderot. A prayer was held near the Sderot ceremony, attended by Police Commissioner Dany Levy.