Israeli Museum Experts Warn Against Politicizing October 7 Memorial Museum

Ahead of a Knesset committee discussion on the proposed National Memorial Day Law for the October 7 events, the Israeli Museum Association and ICOM Israel have issued a strong warning against politicization of the planned October 7 Memorial Museum in the western Negev. In a position paper submitted to the Education and Culture Committee, these professional bodies criticized the current draft law for granting excessive control to political authorities while failing to mandate the involvement of historians and curators in managing the memorial site.

They highlighted that the absence of a professional management requirement risks turning the museum into a political tool rather than a site of objective remembrance. To prevent this, they demand the law establish a dedicated educational, scientific, and research subcommittee led by academically qualified representatives specializing in museology, archives, and preservation.

Another major concern raised is the bill’s exemption of the museum from the Museum Law, which sets professional standards for conservation and display. The association warned that without mandatory compliance with core preservation standards such as climate control, lighting, scientific cataloging, and documentation, the physical survival of artifacts and digital testimonies from the disaster zone is at serious risk. They urged that even if some flexibility is needed, the law must enshrine the highest professional standards for conservation and accessibility.

Additionally, the groups pointed out that the bill does not guarantee a separate budget for establishing and operating the museum. They fear that funding could be diverted from existing museums, which have already suffered significant cuts. The association insists on a dedicated, independent financial framework that will not reduce current cultural and heritage budgets.

Reut Perster, Chair of the Israeli Museum Association and ICOM Israel, emphasized in the letter that ensuring professional standards is a moral obligation to the victims and survivors. The association concluded with a stern message to lawmakers: "National memory must be managed by professionals, not politicians. Passing a flawed law now will be a tragedy for generations to come."