Israel Observes Memorial Day Amidst Ongoing Trauma and Loss
Israel is observing Memorial Day, a somber annual commemoration that has taken on added significance this year in the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attack and the war it ignited. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended a ceremony honoring Israel’s war dead on Mount Herzl in Jerusalem, delivering remarks at a commemoration for Israeli victims of terrorism.
The national day of mourning officially began at sundown on Sunday, with a minute-long siren sounding across the country at 8 p.m., bringing pedestrians to a standstill and halting traffic. Memorial ceremonies are being held through Monday afternoon in schools, hospitals, and local communities, with bereaved families visiting their loved ones’ graves.
Even in a normal year, Memorial Day in Israel is sacrosanct, as many in the small country have been affected by wars with neighbors. This year’s commemorations are especially poignant as the country grapples with the trauma of the Oct. 7 attack and the international scrutiny of its response.
Roughly 1,200 people were killed and 250 taken hostage on Oct. 7, with 272 soldiers killed and 1,660 wounded since the ground invasion against Hamas in Gaza. Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi, the army’s chief of staff, acknowledged the army’s failures on that day and thanked the families of fallen soldiers.
The focus of many Israelis remains on the attack’s victims and hostages, with some families still waiting for loved ones to be released from captivity. For Eyal Brandeis, who lost friends in the attack, this Memorial Day is especially intense.
As Memorial Day comes to a close, Israel will shift to celebrating its 76th Independence Day. However, for some, like Renana Gome, the festivities will be subdued as they continue to mourn the loss of loved ones still held captive.
The day serves as a reminder of the ongoing pain and loss experienced by many in Israel, highlighting the need for healing and remembrance in the face of tragedy.
