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TEL AVIV, ISRAEL — More Gaza border communities announced on Wednesday that they would boycott the official state ceremony commemorating one year since Hamas’s devastating attack on October 7, 2023.
Citing concerns over politicization and dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the crisis and its aftermath, several kibbutzim and the Hostage and Missing Families Forum have chosen to mark the day with private ceremonies or to abstain entirely from participation.
The boycott movement, which initially began with Kibbutz Nirim, has rapidly gained momentum.
On Wednesday, the kibbutzim of Nir Oz and Yad Mordechai also declared that they would not participate in the state-organized event. Meanwhile, Kibbutz Be’eri and Kibbutz Kfar Aza have made similar announcements, opting for their own private ceremonies instead.
These border communities were some of the hardest hit by the October 7 attack, when thousands of Hamas militants breached Israel’s security perimeter and launched an unprecedented assault on southern communities.
The attack resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the abduction of 251 people, many of whom remain in captivity.
The Hostage and Missing Families Forum, a group representing the relatives of those kidnapped during the attack, also announced its refusal to participate in the state ceremony.
In a statement, the forum condemned the government’s ongoing failure to secure the release of the hostages, ten months after the attack. The group highlighted that, as of now, 105 people remain in captivity in the Gaza Strip.
A Deepening Rift with the Government
The anger and frustration expressed by these communities reflect a growing sense of disillusionment with the government’s response to the Hamas attack and its aftermath.
Many residents feel abandoned by the authorities, who they accuse of failing to provide adequate support and security for those living in the vulnerable southern regions.
A spokesperson for Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the communities refusing to participate in the official ceremony, explained the decision: “We have lost so much, and instead of taking responsibility, the government is using this ceremony to avoid accountability. We refuse to be a part of a political show.”
The Hostage and Missing Families Forum echoed these sentiments in their statement, emphasizing that the state ceremony could not serve as a replacement for meaningful action.
“The government’s resounding failure to bring back our loved ones cannot be glossed over with speeches and ceremonies. We need real solutions, not symbolic gestures,” the forum declared.
The discontent has only deepened in recent days, following the Israeli military’s discovery of the bodies of six hostages who were taken during the October 7 attack.
The six, four from Nir Oz and two from Nirim, are believed to have been killed in captivity sometime in early 2024. While the causes of death remain unknown, the tragic news has further fueled the anger of the victims’ families and the broader community.
The State Ceremony Under Scrutiny
The official state ceremony, which has been organized with a reported budget of NIS 6 million ($1.6 million), is intended to be a solemn memorial honoring the victims of the attack and the resilience of the affected communities.
The event is scheduled to include pre-recorded speeches and segments, including an address by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
According to Channel 12, an audience of approximately 3,000 people is expected to attend the ceremony, which will be broadcast on national television.
However, the scale and format of the event have drawn criticism from many quarters. Detractors argue that the ceremony risks becoming more of a political spectacle than a sincere tribute to those who lost their lives and to the communities that continue to suffer from the aftermath of the attack.
One resident of Kibbutz Be’eri, who asked to remain anonymous, expressed concern over the event’s tone: “This ceremony should be about remembering the victims and addressing the ongoing needs of the survivors. Instead, it feels like an opportunity for politicians to give speeches and pat themselves on the back.”
The government has defended the ceremony, insisting that it is a necessary and appropriate way to commemorate the attack and show solidarity with the affected communities.
In a statement, a government spokesperson said: “This ceremony is an important moment for the nation to come together in remembrance and reflection. We understand the pain and anger of those affected, but we believe this event will help to honor their experiences and ensure that the events of October 7 are never forgotten.”
Despite these assurances, many remain unconvinced. The boycott by several prominent communities and organizations suggests a widening rift between the government and those directly impacted by the attack, with trust in the authorities at an all-time low.
Private Memorials and Alternative Ceremonies
In response to the official state ceremony, many Gaza border communities are planning their own private memorials. These smaller, more intimate events are intended to allow residents to grieve and reflect in a way that feels more authentic and less politicized than the state-sponsored event.
Kibbutz Kfar Aza, which also suffered significant losses during the October 7 attack, will hold a private ceremony on the anniversary, focusing on the personal stories of those who were killed or taken hostage.
A spokesperson for the kibbutz explained: “For us, this is about remembering our friends and neighbors, not about making a political statement. We want to honor their memory in a way that feels true to our community.”
Similarly, Kibbutz Be’eri is organizing a small gathering for its residents, emphasizing the importance of coming together as a community to support one another. “We are still processing the trauma of what happened,” said one Be’eri resident. “This isn’t about politics. It’s about healing.”
The alternative ceremonies being planned by these communities highlight a desire for a more personal and meaningful commemoration, free from the influence of politics and national narratives.
A Call for Accountability
As the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack approaches, the ongoing disputes over how best to commemorate the event are emblematic of a larger struggle within Israeli society.
The anger and frustration expressed by the affected communities reflect a deep-seated desire for accountability and justice—both for the lives lost and for those still held captive in Gaza.
For many, the official state ceremony represents a missed opportunity to address these concerns head-on. Instead, critics argue, it risks becoming a hollow gesture that glosses over the government’s failures and avoids difficult questions about the security situation in the south and the fate of the remaining hostages.
As the day of the anniversary draws closer, it remains to be seen how the government will respond to the growing discontent from the Gaza border communities.
What is clear, however, is that the legacy of the October 7 attack continues to cast a long shadow over Israeli society, and the path to healing and resolution is far from straightforward.
Conclusion
The decision by multiple Gaza border communities and the Hostage and Missing Families Forum to boycott the official state memorial for the October 7 Hamas attack highlights deep divisions within Israel regarding the government’s handling of the crisis.
As these communities prepare for their own private ceremonies, the ongoing calls for accountability and meaningful action remain at the forefront of the national conversation.