The State of Israel lowered its flags to half-mast at exactly 6:29 a.m. on Monday to mark the third anniversary of the October 7 massacre, with IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Eyal Zamir promising to implement lessons learned from the tragic event.
“We will carry their stories with us and educate generations of commanders and soldiers by their example,” Zamir said at the memorial ceremony held by the General Staff Forum at the Zikim military base early Monday morning. “It is our duty to investigate and ensure that the lessons are implemented so that we may be more worthy of the trust the people have placed in us.”
Zamir promised to not allow Israel’s “enemies to build up their strength unhindered,” and that “We will identify threats as they emerge and strike them with determination and force,” vowing both in his message to the IDF.
“We will ensure that this people, which returned to its land, will never again be uprooted from it,” he proclaimed. “This is our duty to the fallen, our responsibility to the citizens of Israel and our oath to future generations.”
Zamir also praised the moments after October 7 when the people of Israel, “in all their diversity,” stood in unity to defend their country.
“In the most difficult moments, the solidarity and exemplary character of Israeli society were revealed,” he said, “a people rushing to the aid of its sons and daughters, fighting for its renewal and leaving no one behind.”
President Isaac Herzog is expected to give a memorial speech on Mount Herzl at 11:00 a.m., followed by the national memorial ceremony for those murdered during the October 7 massacre at 14:00.
At 17:00, at the president’s home, there will be a “Salon Otef” gathering, which will include former hostage Omri Miran and his wife, Lishay. Additional Salon Otef gatherings are slated to be held at numerous locations across the country.
At 18:30, another memorial ceremony will take place in Beersheba.
At 19:00, Rami Kleinstein will perform in Ofakim, and at 20:00, a memorial service will take place in Sderot.