Why October 7 Must Be a National Remembrance Day for Posterity

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Simchat Torah, October 7, 2023, is a date that will forever be etched in the collective memory of Israel – and in my own. On this day, the State of Israel faced the most brutal and unprecedented terrorist attacks in its history, resulting in the loss of over 1,400 lives. These were not just numbers; they were civilians, soldiers, entire families torn apart by unspeakable violence. The nation was left in shock, grappling with the immediate need to defend itself while mourning an unimaginable loss. This tragic event was not just an attack on the Jewish people, it was an assault on the very essence of humanity.

As I reflect on this day, I cannot help but feel the weight of its significance. Throughout its history, Israel has faced challenges that have tested the resilience and unity of its people. We have Yom HaZikaron, the Memorial Day for Israel’s fallen soldiers, and Yom HaShoah, Holocaust Remembrance Day, as national days of reflection and mourning. These days serve not only to honor the memory of those lost, but also to reinforce the collective identity of the nation.

October 7, 2023 must be recognized in a similar vein, but with an understanding that it was more than a national tragedy – it was a human tragedy. The sheer brutality of the attacks, the lives lost, and the enduring impact on the nation’s psyche make it imperative that this day is remembered. It is a day that saw the fabric of Israeli society tested, and yet, in the face of overwhelming darkness, the nation responded with unparalleled courage and unity. This response is as much a part of the story of October 7 as the tragedy itself.

For me, the call to establish October 7 as a National Remembrance Day is not merely about commemorating the past, it is about ensuring that such evil is never forgotten. After the unspeakable atrocities committed by the Nazis during the Holocaust, we collectively vowed, “Never again”. We believed that such horrors could never repeat themselves, that humanity had learned its lesson. And yet, on October 7, 2023, we were reminded that the darkness of hatred and violence towards the Jewish people still lingers, capable of surfacing in the most brutal ways.

October 7 was not just an attack on Israel; it was an attack on the very essence of humanity.

The atrocities committed by Hamas terrorists on this day are not just another chapter in the long history of Jewish suffering – they are a stark reminder for the world of the threats that face all of humanity when such hatred, evil and inhuman atrocities can be committed by terrorists under the guise of Jihad.

Elie Wiesel once said, “For the dead and the living, we must bear witness.” This powerful statement underscores the moral imperative to remember, not just for the sake of the victims, but to ensure that future generations understand the gravity of what occurred and the importance of preventing such atrocities from happening again – anywhere in the world.

The tortured and murdered civilians, soldiers, and heroes of October 7 will be honored on Yom HaZikaron, but my heart aches with the feeling that it’s not enough. These lives, stolen in such brutal and unimaginable ways, deserve more than just a moment of silence on a shared day of remembrance. We need to do more—to create a day solely dedicated to their memory, to the horror they endured, and to the resilience they showed. Their stories, their pain, and their heroism must never fade from our collective memory. We owe them that much, and so much more.

While those of us who lived through October 7, 2023 will carry the memory of that day with us, the passage of time can erode even the most vivid of memories. In 70 or 80 years, the events of that day may no longer be as graphic in the collective consciousness. This is why it is crucial to enshrine October 7 as a National Remembrance Day, ensuring that it is not just a day of mourning, but a day of education and reflection for generations to come. And not just for Israelis—for everyone who values the sanctity of life and the principles of humanity.

Miri Regev, Israel’s Minister of Culture and Sport, has taken a significant step by advocating for October 7 to be commemorated on a national level—a move I wholeheartedly support. However, I believe we must go further. October 7 deserves to be enshrined as a National Remembrance Day, a day dedicated to honoring the victims and reflecting on the profound impact of that tragic event.

In a democratic society, we have the privilege of expressing our views in diverse ways. However, amidst this diversity, it is vital that we remain united in our shared commitment to remembering those we lost. This day must not only be about remembrance, but also about ensuring that the lessons learned are never forgotten.

October 7, 2023 was a day of unimaginable tragedy for Israel, but it was also a day of profound significance for all of humanity. As we continue to heal from the wounds inflicted by this attack, it is imperative that this day be recognized as a National Remembrance Day. By doing so, we will honor the victims, educate future generations, and reinforce the collective memory of a day that will forever shape the history of Israel and the world.

October 7 must not be forgotten; it must be remembered, not only for the tragedy it represents, but for the resilience and unity it inspired in the face of darkness. Most importantly, it must be remembered as a day when humanity stood against the powerful forces of evil.