National Memorial Ceremony for October 7 Victims Calls for Investigation

Approximately 50,000 people attended a national memorial ceremony organized by the "קומו" movement and families of the October 7 victims. The event, hosted by former hostage Eli Sharaabi and actress Shani Cohen, featured stories of heroism from those killed in the massacre and a passionate call for an investigative committee.

Omri Shufani, who lost four family members, including his nephew and niece Yanai and Lial, urged the establishment of such a committee. He stated that mutual responsibility is insufficient and that truth is necessary to rebuild trust and ensure such an event does not recur. Shufani emphasized that the call for an investigation is a moral, ethical, and security imperative, not a political debate, and stressed the need to confront the truth to learn and correct past failures.

The ceremony included a performance by singer Arkadi Duchin, who sang at the home of the Kipnis family in Be'eri, where Avitar and Lilach Kipnis and their caregiver Paul Vincent Castelvi were murdered. A video was dedicated to Captain Sahar Sa'udain, an Iron Dome officer who fell in battle, and her sister Stav Sa'udain recounted her bravery. Aviva Chana, sister of Israel Chana who died defending Ofakim, shared his final moments. Videos also honored Haim Ben-Arie and Aabed Al-Karim Nassara, bus drivers who aided in evacuations and were killed.

Eli Sharaabi, who lost his wife, daughters, and brother, pledged to ensure the victims are never forgotten and that October 7 remains a significant, indelible date. He thanked Israelis for their support, emphasizing the ceremony was created by and for the people. Shani Cohen reflected on the profound loss of friends, families, homes, and a sense of security and innocence experienced on that day, noting 1,096 days of loss and sleepless nights.

Rabbi Beni Kalmanzon, father of fallen soldier Elhanan Kalmanzon, recited Kaddish, calling for unity and mutual responsibility. The ceremony also featured performances by numerous artists and was attended by opposition figures including Gadi Eisenkot, Yair Lapid, and Yair Golan.