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In a powerful display of grief and anger, bereaved families interrupted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a solemn ceremony on Sunday, commemorating the civilian casualties of the October 7 Hamas massacre and the subsequent war.
The emotional outburst came as Netanyahu began to speak, with families voicing their frustrations and demands for accountability in the face of their unimaginable loss.
Among the mourners, one man drew attention by wearing a shirt that read, “We are not all together, I am an orphan,” encapsulating the profound sense of isolation felt by those who lost loved ones.
Another protester, Yaakov Gudo, whose son Tom was killed during the events in Kissufim on October 7, explained his presence at the ceremony, saying he wanted to ensure that his voice was heard, even amidst his uncertainty about attending.
The ceremonies, held at Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, included tributes for both fallen soldiers and civilians, marking a day of mourning that coincided with the Hebrew date of the tragedy. The events come as the Knesset prepares legislation for a permanent commemoration of the massacre, which will take effect in 2025.
Attendees included Israel’s highest political and security officials, with President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, and IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevy among those present.
The ceremonies served as a national moment of reflection, but they were not without controversy, as some family members of victims and government ministers questioned the necessity of a National Day of Mourning so soon after a similar observance on October 7.
As the military ceremony commenced, the voices of soldiers who had fallen in battle echoed throughout the space, including poignant quotes from Sergeant Re’em Batito of the Golani Brigade, who died on the day of the massacre.
His mother, Dikla Batito, shared her ongoing bond with her son, stating, “I visit his grave every morning to read him psalms and some philosophy,” illustrating the deep, personal toll of the conflict.
In his remarks at the civilian ceremony, Netanyahu acknowledged the irreversible changes in the lives of the bereaved families, stating, “There is no solace for the loss we have experienced.”
He emphasized their resilience, saying that the families “embody the spirit of [King] David,” a sentiment aimed at uniting the nation in its grief and determination to prevail.
Netanyahu’s speech was punctuated by a recent military strike against Iran, which he claimed had successfully weakened its defense capabilities.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to securing the release of all hostages held by Hamas, a key issue for many families present at the ceremony.
Defense Minister Gallant, in his address, highlighted the complexities of military engagements, suggesting that not every goal could be achieved through force alone.
He acknowledged the need for “painful concessions” to ensure the safe return of hostages, taking responsibility for both the military successes and the heavy costs incurred.
Major Omri Bracha, a reserve deputy battalion commander who was seriously injured in combat, led a Yizkor memorial prayer, while Kaddish was recited by Rami Sayif, father of Captain Itay Sayif, a fallen Givati Brigade commander.
These moments served to reinforce the sacrifices made by Israel’s soldiers and the deep bonds formed among those who serve.
The civilian ceremony included heartfelt remarks from Smadar Lugasi, whose son Ilai Elisha was injured in battle and later killed.
Lugasi lamented her inability to visit her son’s grave, which she said was a constant source of pain, especially as she sought solace in a time of unimaginable grief.
In his address, President Herzog underscored the urgency of bringing back hostages from Hamas, calling it a “critical, supreme task.” He urged the nation to act decisively, invoking the memories of fallen soldiers and the commitment to rescue the hostages.
“The blood of our brothers cries out to us. Their rescue is a supreme and binding duty,” Herzog asserted, reinforcing the gravity of the moment.
Herzog also offered words of apology and solidarity to the bereaved families, expressing regret for the failures of the state to protect its citizens.
“Sorry we failed to defend your loved ones,” he said, speaking directly to those mourning, a moment that underscored the tension between state accountability and individual loss.
The emotional weight of the ceremony was palpable as Iris Haim, a representative of the bereaved families, shared her heartbreaking story of loss. Her son Yotam was killed by Israeli forces after escaping from Hamas captors.
“I turned into Iris Haim, the mother of Yotam Haim,” she recounted, emphasizing the profound transformation of identity that accompanies such grief.
Haim shared the last message she received from her son, recounting his fear as he faced imminent danger: “Mom, it’s a matter of minutes.”
The anguish of not having a proper goodbye and the guilt of not being there for him in his final moments resonated deeply with the audience, many of whom shared similar experiences.
Reflecting on the indiscriminate nature of the attacks on October 7, Haim noted that the pain was shared across the spectrum of Israeli society.
“Hamas did not discriminate in its attack, attacking Jewish and Arab Israelis, secular and religious Israelis, and those of all political backgrounds,” she said, highlighting the need for unity in the face of such tragedy.
As the day concluded, the ongoing struggles of the bereaved families were evident. The emotional protests, the heart-wrenching speeches, and the somber memorials all painted a picture of a nation in mourning—one grappling with loss while striving to forge a path toward healing and justice.
The ceremonies served not only as a tribute to the fallen but also as a stark reminder of the need for accountability, compassion, and, ultimately, reconciliation within Israeli society.