Israelis turned out today to mark the third anniversary of the assault on its military and citizens by agents of Hamas on October 7, 2023. A particularly touching tribute was held at the Re’im musical festival site, which was overrun by Hamas militants at dawn. More than 360 celebrants were slain and dozens taken hostage.
The assault into Israeli territory, uncharacteristically unforeseen by Israeli security forces, led to brutal fighting in Gaza and the Peninsula as the IDF (Israeli Defense Force) took the fighting to Hamas. A peace deal brokered by President Trump is still being worked out, with Hamas unwilling to disarm and Israel unwilling to withdraw to its pre-war territorial boundary.
The fighting has also spurred antisemitic demonstrations in Western countries, along with protests favoring the Palestinian side.
A national memorial service is scheduled for this evening in Tel Aviv, with thousands of Israelis expected to attend. The “Kumu” movement (“Rise Up” in Hebrew) is organizing the event to honor October 7 survivors and their families. It will be hosted by former hostage Eli Sharabi and actress Shani Cohen.
