National Memorial Ceremony for October 7th Draws 50,000

Approximately 50,000 people gathered at Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park for a national memorial ceremony commemorating the October 7th attacks. The event, organized by families of October 7th victims and the "Komo" movement, brought together survivors, families of hostages, and bereaved families to remember those killed and fallen.

Former hostage Eli Sharabi and actress Shani Cohen hosted the ceremony. Sharabi, who was held captive, addressed the attendees, remembering the victims and honoring the wounded, emergency response teams, and fallen soldiers. He emphasized the importance of testifying and recounting the events of October 7th for future generations, stating, "We will remember everyone, and we will never forget."

The ceremony featured musical performances by artists including Arkadi Duchin, Yuval Dayan, Noam Batn, Harel Skaat, Lihi Toledano, Ivri Lider, Eden Golan, Mashi Klineinstein, Eli Botner, Roni Dalumi, Tamir Greenberg, Shlomo Artzi, and Osher Cohen. Tributes were also paid through videos and readings, honoring fallen soldiers like Sergeant Major Omri Niv Feirstein, Captain Sahar Sa'udain, and reservist soldiers Ofir Yaron and Avi Fleischer. Personal testimonies were shared by family members, including Or-Li Niv, mother of Sgt. Maj. Feirstein, and Aviva Chana, sister of Israel Chana, who was killed defending Ofrakim residents on his 30th birthday.

Special remembrance was given to bus drivers Haim Ben Aryeh and Abed Al Karim Nassasra, who aided in civilian evacuations on October 7th. Ben Aryeh died by suicide in late October 2023 after witnessing the horrors, while Nassasra was killed in an ambush. The ceremony also included prayers and readings by Rabbi Beni Kalmanzon, father of Elhanan Kalmanzon, who fell in battle in Be'eri.

Sharabi, who lost his wife and daughters in the attack and whose brother was killed after being taken hostage, shared personal words about his captivity and his promise to remember. He urged attendees to "remember what happened. Investigate how it happened. Do not cut corners. Do not let time blur the truth, do not rewrite history, and do not let history repeat itself." He stressed that memory is a path forward, enabling learning, correction, and the building of a safer future.

Organizers requested that attendees refrain from political demonstrations, emphasizing the event's purpose as a unifying national memorial. The ceremony, held for the third consecutive year, was broadcast live on numerous media outlets. Attendees were advised to arrive early and follow security instructions due to expected crowds.