Thousands Demand State Inquiry at Tel Aviv Rally

By מאיה כהן

Translated & summarized from Ynet by baba

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Thousands of Israelis, including bereaved families and hostage survivors, rallied in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square demanding a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th failures. Speakers like Rabbi Elchanan Danino and former hostage Daniel Aloni urged accountability and urged attendees to vote in the upcoming elections. Political leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot, also attended, with Eisenkot promising to establish the commission if elected. The rally highlighted deep-seated calls for truth and responsibility following the Hamas attacks.

The story in 6 lines · by baba

Thousands rallied in Tel Aviv demanding a state commission of inquiry into the October 7th failures.
Rabbi Elchanan Danino stated, "Anyone who evades a state commission of inquiry likely has something to hide."
Hostage survivor Daniel Aloni urged attendees to vote, saying, "I don't want to raise Emilia in fear."
Political leaders, including Gadi Eisenkot, attended the rally and called for accountability.
Gadi Eisenkot pledged to establish a state commission of inquiry at the first government meeting after elections.
The "October Council" warned of potential disruptions to the rally by coalition-linked elements.

Thousands Demand State Inquiry at Tel Aviv Rally — Editorial illustration generated by baba News, not a photograph of the event.

Thousands gathered in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square on Saturday evening for a rally organized by the "October Council," an umbrella group of released hostages, bereaved families, and survivors of the October 7th massacre. The event, titled "For Them," called for the establishment of a state commission of inquiry into the failures that led to the attacks.

Speakers at the rally included Rabbi Elchanan Danino, father of Uri Danino, who was killed in Hamas captivity, who stated, "Anyone who evades a state commission of inquiry likely has something to hide." He emphasized that such an inquiry is a necessity for the future and for soldiers. Daniel Aloni, a hostage survivor who returned with her daughter after 49 days in Gaza, urged attendees to vote in the upcoming elections, stating, "I don't want to raise Emilia in fear." Zuli Gyongyoshi, who adopted the children of slain parents Roi and Smadar Idan, questioned why he had met with President Biden but his own government had not even sent a WhatsApp message.

Mali Zander, whose daughter Noa was murdered at the Nova festival, stressed that a country cannot move forward without soul-searching and leaders must take responsibility. Menashe and Sigal Manzouri, parents of two victims, spoke of hope and fulfilling their children's dreams. Vicky Cohen, mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, criticized the state for funding Hamas and tunnels while her son was held captive, demanding accountability from political leadership.

Omer Ohana, partner of fallen soldier Saguy Golan, spoke about fighting for rights as Israelis. Tamar Adri, sister of fallen soldier Ido Adri, called for a state that prioritizes people and doesn't abandon its citizens. Rafi Ben Shitrit, father of fallen soldier Elroi Ben Shitrit, described October 7th as a comprehensive failure and demanded an independent commission with broad powers. Eyal Ashal, father of fallen lookout Roni Ashal, insisted on an independent investigation and accountability for those responsible.

Political figures present included Gadi Eisenkot, Avigdor Lieberman, Yair Golan, and Naftali Bennett. Eisenkot pledged that a state commission of inquiry would be established at the first government meeting after the elections. The "October Council" had previously sent a letter to Police Commissioner Danny Levy, citing warnings of attempts by coalition-linked elements to disrupt the rally.