On October 7, 2026, approximately 50,000 Israelis gathered at Yarkon Park in Tel Aviv to mark the third anniversary of the 7 October attacks. The memorial ceremony, organized by the Kumu movement, brought together bereaved families and individuals affected by the attacks. For the first time since the attacks, there were no hostages remaining in Gaza. The ceremony featured Eli Sharabi, a former hostage who was held in Gaza for 491 days.
The 7 October attacks resulted in significant loss of life and had a profound impact on the Israeli community. The attacks occurred on October 7, 2023. This year's ceremony focused on remembrance and the demand for an investigation into the failures that allowed the attack to happen. Many families have been advocating for a state commission of inquiry, but Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has resisted this, instead backing legislation for a politically appointed probe.
The Kumu movement, founded by families affected by the 7 October attacks, has been instrumental in organizing the memorial ceremony. The movement's founders, including Omri Shifroni, lost relatives in the attacks. Shifroni emphasized the need for a full investigation into the events leading up to the attacks. He stated that without investigating the truth, it is impossible to fix things and prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The memorial ceremony was attended by individuals who have been affected by the attacks in various ways. Eliot Young, whose brother Nathanel was killed fighting Hamas on 7 October, has been attending the ceremony annually. Young described the event as a source of strength and inspiration. His family has been keeping Nathanel's memory alive through various projects, including a professional music and DJ studio for at-risk youth.
Memorials were held throughout Israel on October 7, 2026, to mark the third anniversary of the attacks. At the Nova festival site near Re'im, survivors and bereaved families gathered for a memorial at 06:29, the time the attack began. Eyal Golan, whose sister Shirel survived the massacre but later died by suicide, attended the ceremony. Golan reported feeling a sense of closure and wholeness after attending the event.
The impact of the 7 October attacks continues to be felt by families and individuals. Yaffa Golan, Eyal's mother, stated that every day is still 7 October for her family. The community is still grappling with the aftermath of the attacks and the need for healing and closure. The memorial ceremony served as a reminder of the ongoing struggle.
The Israeli community continues to demand accountability and investigation into the 7 October attacks. The families of the victims and the bereaved are advocating for a thorough investigation into the events leading up to the attacks. The government has been urged to establish a state commission of inquiry to examine the failures surrounding the attacks.
Key points
- Thousands gather in Tel Aviv to mark three years since 7 October attacks
- Families demand investigation into failures leading up to attacks
- Memorials held across Israel to honor victims and survivors
