Oct. 7 Survivor Eli Sharabi to Host National Memorial Ceremony

The "Komo" movement, representing families of victims from the October 7th massacre, announced that Eli Sharabi, a survivor of Hamas captivity, will co-host the national memorial ceremony for the event. He will be joined by actress and comedian Shani Cohen.

This will be the third consecutive year for the ceremony, scheduled for October 7th at Tel Aviv's Yarkon Park. It is expected to draw bereaved families and former hostages. Organizers stated the event will be broadcast on major Israeli media channels, foreign networks, and community screenings worldwide. They emphasized their commitment to a unifying, national ceremony representing all segments of society and affected communities.

The movement also launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund the event and urged public support. Sharabi, who lost his wife and daughters in Kibbutz Be'eri and his brother in captivity, vowed to honor their memory. "October 7th must remain etched in our hearts forever as an iron date," he stated. "We must not blur it, nor let time obscure it. This terrible day must not pass without a national, central, and significant ceremony." He acknowledged the pain but pledged to draw strength to honor the victims and the nation.

Omri Shaproni, who lost four relatives in Be'eri, including 12-year-old Liel Hatzroni, expressed that the ceremony reflects collective grief, responsibility, and hope. He praised Sharabi and Cohen as ideal hosts to convey the story of the families and Israeli society.

Cohen shared her pride in co-hosting alongside Sharabi, calling him a symbol of choosing life despite immense hardship. She described the event as significant for everyone and expressed her deep emotion at supporting others through their grief.