Israel Commemorates Three Years Since Hamas Attacks

Israel is observing a day of remembrance this Wednesday, October 7, marking three years since the Hamas attacks that resulted in 1,200 deaths and the abduction of 251 individuals. Throughout the country, ceremonies, moments of silence, and gatherings are bringing together bereaved families, survivors, and security forces. The commemorations began at dawn. At 6:29 AM, the exact time the attack commenced, President Isaac Herzog and his wife Michal lit a memorial candle at the presidential residence in Jerusalem. Simultaneously, the Israeli police honored their fallen officers at various locations where they died defending the public. Inspector General Danny Levy and other senior police officials observed a minute of silence. In Sderot, a ceremony was held at the site of the former police station, which was the scene of intense fighting on October 7. Wreaths were also laid where officers lost their lives. In Jerusalem, members of the police's investigation and intelligence division gathered to remember the attack's victims. At the Nova festival site near Kibbutz Re'im, families, friends, and visitors have been gathering since dawn in silent grief before portraits of the murdered festival-goers. Several French officials are also in Israel for the commemorations. Jean-Noël Barrot noted on X that 51 French citizens were killed in the October 7 attacks, vowing they would never be forgotten. Bruno Retailleau, who met with victims' families at the Nova festival site, denounced the portrayal of Hamas as a resistance movement and called for political action against "Islamist totalitarianism," stating that "memory and candles are not enough." The commemorations are accompanied by renewed calls for a state commission of inquiry into the failures of October 7. The October Council, representing bereaved families and former captives, is demanding an independent investigation to establish accountability.