Israeli Knesset Passes Law Establishing National Memorial for October 7 Massacre

In the early hours before its dissolution, the Israeli Knesset approved a law to commemorate the October 7 massacre. Passed at 4:40 a.m. between Thursday and Friday, the legislation sets a national framework for remembrance, including the establishment of a new authority tasked with creating memorial projects related to the events of October 7, 2023.

The law designates the 24th of Tishrei (Jewish calendar) as an official national memorial day, during which flags will be lowered to half-mast at state institutions, IDF bases, police, and prison facilities. State ceremonies will be held, and radio and television broadcasts will reflect the solemn nature of the day.

A new corporation named the "Memory Authority" will be created to implement the law’s goals, operating with an annual budget and governed by a 13-member council. This council will include government representatives, family members of victims, survivors, hostages, and local authorities from the Gaza border region. The Prime Minister will officially appoint the council members.

The law also mandates the establishment of a national memorial site and museum near the Gaza border, likely at the Nova site in Re'im, dedicated to research, documentation, and education, with free public access. The legislation underwent significant debate, including disputes over the use of the term "massacre" in the law’s title and whether to emphasize the Hebrew or Gregorian date of the tragedy.

Adjustments were made following input from bereaved families, such as protocols for local authorities regarding shelters where attacks occurred. Although not unanimously accepted by all parties, the law represents a compromise after extensive discussions involving families of the deceased, hostages, survivors, and professionals.