Israel Marks Two Years Since Hamas Attack with Solemn Ceremonies
In a poignant ceremony held at the Nahal Oz base on Thursday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) commemorated the second anniversary of the devastating Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, 2023. The somber gathering brought together military leadership, families of the fallen, and survivors to honor those lost and reflect on the profound changes that have shaped Israel since that fateful day. At precisely 6:29 a.m. local time—the exact moment when the attacks began two years ago—attendees observed a moment of silence, creating a powerful collective remembrance for those who perished both during the initial assault and in the ensuing conflict. IDF Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir and Yiska Steinberg, widow of the late Nahal Brigade commander Col. Yonatan Steinberg, were among the distinguished attendees who bowed their heads in reverence.
Following the silence, Col. Ido Kass, who led the investigation into the battle, meticulously recounted the sequence of events that unfolded at Nahal Oz on that tragic morning. His presentation was part of Israel’s ongoing commitment to transparency and accountability regarding the military failures that allowed the attacks to occur. The ceremony also featured a panel discussion titled “Memory, Responsibility, Heroism, and Hope,” which included military commanders, survivors of the attack, and former hostages Chen and Agam Goldstein-Almog, who shared their harrowing experiences and perspectives on moving forward. This combination of mourning and forward-looking discourse highlighted Israel’s determination to honor its losses while strengthening its resolve for the future.
In his address, IDF Chief Lt. Gen. Zamir spoke candidly about the military’s failures while emphasizing the path forward: “On this day, we face head-on the failure of October 7th and look forward toward our future. We bow our heads before the civilians, commanders, and troops who bravely gave their lives.” He pledged that the IDF would “not rest and will not be silent until we bring back the last of the fallen hostages,” calling it a “moral duty.” Zamir also acknowledged that amid the catastrophic failures, extraordinary acts of heroism emerged, announcing the establishment of a Decorations Committee to honor those who acted selflessly in the face of terror. His remarks reflected the military’s commitment to learning from past mistakes while honoring the courage displayed by many during the attacks.
The ceremony took on additional significance following Monday’s return of the remaining 20 living Israeli hostages, ending a nightmare that had lasted more than two years for many families. Among those released was Matan Angrest, who had been kidnapped while defending the very same Nahal Oz base where the anniversary ceremony was held. Survivor accounts indicate that Angrest endured particularly brutal treatment in captivity, including torture with car batteries, severe starvation, and physical abuse. His asthma reportedly worsened significantly in the damp tunnels where he was held. Former hostage Ron Krivoi had previously told Israeli media that Angrest had been “electrocuted” and was “badly injured” to the point where he couldn’t even speak during interrogations.
While the return of the living hostages marked a significant milestone in Israel’s recovery process, grief continues for the families of the deceased hostages whose remains have not yet been returned. Hamas has so far handed over the remains of only nine of the 28 deceased hostages they are required to return under ceasefire terms. Among those still unaccounted for are the remains of two U.S. citizens, Omer Neutra and Itay Chen. Chen was killed while fighting alongside Angrest at Nahal Oz, adding another layer of poignancy to the ceremony at that location. The ongoing struggle to recover all remains underscores that even as Israel marks this solemn anniversary, many families still lack the closure needed to fully begin their healing process.
As Israel continues to navigate the complex aftermath of October 7th, the ceremony at Nahal Oz embodied both a national reckoning with failure and a commitment to renewal. The IDF’s acknowledgment of past mistakes, coupled with its dedication to implementing lessons learned, reflects a military institution determined not to repeat history. Yet beyond the strategic and tactical assessments lies the human dimension of grief, resilience, and hope that was powerfully present throughout the ceremony. For many Israelis, the second anniversary marks not just a commemoration of loss but a milestone in their collective journey toward healing—a process complicated by the continuing regional tensions but sustained by the strength of community and shared purpose that has emerged from tragedy.
