Histadrut Marks 3 Years Since October 7th, Vows to Support Vulnerable
Translated & summarized from Davar by baba
The Histadrut marked three years since the October 7th attacks with a ceremony in Tel Aviv, vowing to support the vulnerable and rebuild society. Chairman Arnon Bar-David emphasized collective responsibility and solidarity. The event featured personal testimonies, including that of Ofir Elkayal about his cousin Colonel Roi Levy, and Rachel Edri, who survived an encounter with terrorists in her Ofakim home. Her son, Avitar Edri, a police officer, spoke of the battles in Ofakim and the importance of mental health support.
The story in 6 lines · by baba
- The Histadrut held a ceremony in Tel Aviv to mark three years since the October 7th attacks.
- Chairman Arnon Bar-David pledged to build a society that supports its vulnerable members.
- Ofir Elkayal honored his cousin, Colonel Roi Levy, who was killed on October 7th.
- Rachel Edri recounted her survival of a terrorist encounter in her Ofakim home.
- Her son, Avitar Edri, spoke about the battles in Ofakim and the need for emotional support.
- 28 residents of Ofakim were killed in the October 7th attacks.
The Histadrut (General Organization of Workers in Israel) held a ceremony in Tel Aviv on Sunday to commemorate three years since the October 7th Hamas attacks. Arnon Bar-David, Chairman of the Histadrut, spoke at the event, emphasizing the shared humanity revealed during the crisis and the responsibility to build a society that supports its weakest members. "We cannot erase the sights and fill the void, but we can choose how we live from here, a society that does not abandon, that does not forget the vulnerable," Bar-David stated. He pledged the organization's commitment to the security forces, citizens, and societal rehabilitation, aiming for a future where no one is invisible or left alone.
Ofir Elkayal, Chairman of the State Employees' Union, shared the story of his cousin, Colonel Roi Levy, who was killed on October 7th. Elkayal described Levy as a leader who, despite having five children and having been injured in Operation Protective Edge, continued to serve. Levy was noted for his humility and dedication, exemplified by his actions entering Kibbutz Re'im with four fighters on October 7th. A hill, "Givat Roi," has been established in his memory and to honor all heroes of October 7th.
Rachel Edri, a resident of Ofakim, recounted her harrowing experience during the attacks. She described confronting five terrorists in her home, initially mistaking the sounds of gunfire for a local dispute. She spoke of her fear and her remarkable composure in interacting with the attackers, offering them cookies and coffee while signaling to her son, a police officer, about their numbers. Her husband, David, who celebrated his birthday that day, died later from a broken heart due to the trauma. Edri stated her resolve not to let the terrorists win by abandoning her home.
Her son, Avitar Edri, a police officer, detailed the fierce battles fought by soldiers, police, and civilians in Ofakim. He noted the terrorists' detailed knowledge of the area, including synagogues and prayer times, which contributed to the deaths of 28 residents in the city, and 53 in total when including those killed elsewhere. Avitar shared his personal message about the importance of speaking about pain and seeking help, reflecting on his inability to help his father cope with the trauma.
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