New Evidence Collection Initiative Launched Ahead of Israel’s October 7 Massacre National Inquiry
Ahead of the establishment of a national inquiry into the October 7 massacre, a comprehensive initiative has been launched to collect and preserve testimonies, documents, and evidence from soldiers, commanders, and civilians who experienced the events. The initiative was announced by Knesset Member Ariel Kallner and Rabbi Aviad Gadot, CEO of the "Torat Lechima" organization, aiming to build a thorough evidentiary infrastructure for the upcoming inquiry.
The initiative follows the recent approval of legislation in the Knesset to form a national investigative committee, which Kallner intends to finalize in the next parliamentary session. According to Knesset rules, only the proposing member can advance the bill to subsequent readings. Kallner emphasized the inquiry as the sole path to truth and meaningful reform, stressing the importance of collecting critical materials to be submitted once the committee is formed.
Rabbi Gadot called on the public, especially those with relevant information or testimonies about the October 7 events and the preceding period, to contribute their materials in an organized manner. A secure technological platform for submitting evidence will be launched in the coming days.
This joint effort comes after the government and Knesset approved the national inquiry bill in a first reading just before the election recess, responding to widespread public demand for investigation. The debate centers on which body will lead the probe, with two main models under discussion. The government supports a balanced committee representing all societal sectors, including security, legal, academic experts, and bereaved families, to ensure broad public trust.
The national inquiry model is favored for its ability to generate wide public confidence, unlike a state commission that might be perceived as politically biased. It is modeled after the successful U.S. "9/11 Commission," ensuring no political faction dominates and granting full national legitimacy to its conclusions.
