Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion paid tribute to the memory of 87 Jerusalemite civilians and soldiers who lost their lives since October 7 last year, during a visit to a memorial opposite the National Library in Jerusalem.
Reflecting on the tragic events, Netanyahu emphasized the resilience of the Israeli people: “We remember our fallen, our hostages — whom we are obliged to bring home — and our heroes who fell for the defense of the homeland and the country. We went through a terrible massacre a year ago, and we stood up as a people, like lions.”
Mayor Lion, underscoring the importance of solidarity, called for unity among Israelis: “From Jerusalem, a city that is the symbol of unity, comes the message of unity. Each and every one of us has the task of continuing together and acting as one… As the months of war taught us well, our strength is in our unity. Only together will we win.”
The anniversary also saw calls for increased mental health support. Health Minister Uriel Buso urged the public to seek assistance at government-run “resilience centers.” Recalling the psychological impact of the October 7 attack, Buso described it as the most significant mental health crisis Israel has faced, and reiterated his call for the government to double its funding for related treatment programs.
The day also saw hundreds gather at the Nova music festival site, where more than 360 attendees were killed by Hamas militants on October 7 last year. Family members, survivors, and supporters honored the memory of the victims, with Shimon Buskila and Dvir Neeman offering prayers and reflections on the lives lost.
As the nation marks one year since the brutal attack, Israeli leaders and citizens continue to rally around messages of unity, remembrance, and resilience.
Here are the key points from the article:
- Anniversary of October 7 Massacre: Israeli leaders and citizens commemorate the one-year anniversary of the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of hundreds of civilians and soldiers.
- Netanyahu’s Statement: Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised the resilience of the Israeli people, describing them as having “stood up like lions” following the tragic events.
- Call for Unity: Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion emphasized the importance of unity in overcoming challenges and protecting the nation, echoing the symbolic role of Jerusalem as a unifying force.
- Mental Health Support: Health Minister Uriel Buso highlighted the ongoing mental health impact of the attack, urging the public to seek support and calling for increased government funding for mental health services.
- Memorial at Nova Music Festival Site: Hundreds gathered at the site of the Nova music festival to honor the memory of over 360 victims, with family members offering prayers and remembering their loved ones.
- Dedication of New Memorial: A new memorial for Jerusalemite victims was recently established opposite the National Library, serving as a site for reflection and remembrance.
