Israeli President Isaac Herzog honoured the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks by lighting a memorial candle at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem at 6:29 am—the exact time when the Hamas assault commenced three years ago. In a poignant message, he paid tribute to those who lost their lives, the survivors, and the resilience displayed by the nation in the face of tragedy.

Herzog’s reflections included the impact of those lost and the collective national trauma experienced since that day. In his remarks shared on social media platform X, he stated, “Three years of immense pain, loss, and trauma. We remember all those who were murdered and all who fell in battle. May their memory be a blessing.”

He also took a moment to express sincere admiration for the strength demonstrated by the Israeli populace during these challenging years of grief and healing. Herzog’s emotionally charged commemoration reminds the nation of the intimate scars etched into the collective memory.

Shared Experiences Highlight National Resilience

During his address, Herzog elaborated on his numerous interactions with citizens across the country over the past three years. He mentioned hearing a multitude of personal stories that encapsulate both loss and recovery. “I have heard thousands of stories,” he remarked, adding that some of these narratives were documented in books, while others were shared through personal encounters.

He noted that the stories comprised not only accounts of grief but also tales of community resilience and hope. Many individuals have chosen to keep moving forward, planting new roots and actively building their futures, often in the face of overwhelming odds. “There are also stories of rebirth, of communities rising anew, of people who choose to go on,” Herzog explained.

This emphasis on national unity resonated throughout his address, driving home the message that, despite the deep divisions that might exist within society, the shared experience of trauma has forged a collective strength. “We are one people. This is the home of us all,” he concluded, urging a collaborative commitment to safeguarding their shared narrative.

International Solidarity and Commemoration

In a demonstration of international support, the Embassy of India in Israel issued a statement affirming solidarity with the victims of the attacks. The Indian Embassy expressed heartfelt condolences to the families affected, emphasising a united front against terrorism in any form. “We stand united against terrorism in all its forms and manifestations and reaffirm our steadfast commitment to combating terrorism,” the statement read.

This sentiment of unity was echoed at a recent commemorative event in New Delhi, where the Israeli Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, reflected on the severe impact of the initial attack. He described the incident as one of the most atrocious terrorist attacks against Israel since its establishment, acknowledging the loss of approximately 1,200 lives, including women, children, and the elderly.

Ambassador Azar also highlighted Israel’s resilience and recovery, noting that despite the substantial challenges following the attacks, the nation’s economy has reportedly grown by 40 per cent between 2023 and 2026. He characterised the attack as a significant failure of intelligence but underscored Israel’s determination to prevail in the face of adversity.

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