In a significant development, families of victims from the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel are organizing an alternative memorial event, declining participation in the official government-sponsored commemoration. This decision comes as the first anniversary of the tragic incident approaches, scheduled for October 7, 2024, just 18 days from now.
The alternative memorial, dubbed the "central national commemoration event" by organizers, is set to take place in Tel Aviv's HaYarkon Park. Expectations are high for this gathering, with an anticipated attendance of 50,000 people. The event aims to provide a "non-political, big but intimate" atmosphere for remembrance.
Yonatan Shamriz, whose brother Alon Shamriz was kidnapped during the attack and later accidentally killed by IDF fire in Gaza, expressed dissatisfaction with the government's approach. He stated, "The event planned by the government is not the way we want to remember the victims. No audience, no soul and disconnected from the public."
The official state memorial, scheduled to be held in Ofakim, southern Israel, has faced criticism for its format. It will be pre-recorded without an audience, a decision that has further fueled the controversy. The appointment of Transportation Minister Miri Regev to oversee the event has also drawn criticism from bereaved families.
Ram Ben-Barak, a lawmaker from the Yesh Atid party and former Deputy Chief of Mossad, commented on the situation: "It's a shame that we have reached a situation where even a memorial day for the most tragic incident since the establishment of the state is now a subject to controversy."
In addition to the Tel Aviv event, private memorials are being organized in affected communities. Kibbutz Be'eri, where over 100 people lost their lives during the October 7 attack, will host a private commemoration for bereaved families.
The controversy surrounding the memorial events reflects broader dissatisfaction with the government's handling of the aftermath of the attack and the ongoing conflict. Many Israelis, particularly those from communities near the Gaza and Lebanon borders, remain displaced, unable to return home due to continued security threats from Hamas and Hezbollah.
This situation has led to ongoing protests across Israel, with citizens expressing frustration over the government's response to the crisis. The discord extends beyond the memorial events, touching on issues of support for victims, war management, and the overall approach to national security.
As the anniversary approaches, the divergent memorial plans highlight the complex challenges Israel faces in addressing the aftermath of the October 7 attack and the ongoing conflict in the region.
"The government's memorial event will be without an audience because they want to control the narrative and to avoid any disturbances by the people who paid the price for Mr. Netanyahu's insatiable power greed."