Tens of Thousands Gathered in Tel Aviv to Mark Two Years Since the October 7 Massacre

Tens of thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hayarkon Park on Tuesday night for the main national memorial ceremony marking two years since the October 7 Hamas massacre. The event honored the memory of those murdered and kidnapped in the attack and was organized by “Como,” the association founded by Yonatan Shmeriz, whose brother Alon was kidnapped and later killed in Gaza by friendly fire.

The ceremony — hosted by actor Tzachi Halevi and Ashira Greenberg, widow of Lt. Col. Tomer Greenberg, commander of Golani’s 13th Battalion who fell in Gaza in December 2023 — was also broadcast live at Tel Aviv’s Kidnapped Square.

Silence, Prayer, and Music Open the Memorial

The ceremony began at 9:30 p.m. with a minute of silence, followed by Kaddish and Yizkor prayers. A moving video showed captivity survivor Agam Berger playing the violin, after which Yuval Rafael, a survivor of the Nova music festival massacre and Israel’s 2024 Eurovision representative, performed on stage.

Zvi Zussman, father of Maj. Gen. (res.) Ben Zussman, who was killed in December 2023, recited “Yizkor,” and Rabbi Elchanan Danino, whose son Uri was kidnapped and murdered in captivity, read “Kaddish.”

Voices of Loss and Resilience

Mazi Ayalon, widow of Tal Ayalon, commander of the Kfar Gaza readiness squad who fell defending his kibbutz, shared memories of their life together:

“You were the beating heart… a father from the books, who painted fears in rosy colors. You lived a life of adventure, clean and free from slogans.”

Captivity survivor Omer Shem Tov spoke of survival and unity:

“October 7 was the morning when everything broke — innocence, security, routine. But in the darkness, light appeared — people who ran to save, to help, to love. After 505 days in captivity, I learned what resilience truly means. We still have 48 abductees who have not returned. Peace is far away, but the unity and human spark discovered here are the foundation on which we will rebuild.”

Mothers of the Captives Speak

Following a performance of “I’m Coming Home” by Eden Golan, images of abductees still in captivity were displayed on screen. Vicky Cohen, mother of Nimrod Cohen, and Anat Angrest, mother of Matan Angrest, addressed their sons directly in emotional speeches.

“Since that day, two years have passed since the light went out,” said Vicky. “You are in the dark, trembling in the tunnels. But I swear, my child — I won’t give up. An entire nation is fighting for you.”

Anat added:

“We will bring you home — the living and the dead — every last one. You will bring back with you the peace and values you fought for.”

They were later joined on stage by Yardena Arazi for a performance of “Come, Mother.”

Remembering the Fallen

A video tribute honored Sgt. Ariel Sosnov, who fell in November 2024 near Avivim. His partner, Atara Sinton, recalled praying for his survival and described founding “The Flowers Man” project in his memory — an initiative that distributes flowers to soldiers.

“No matter where he was — in Gaza or Lebanon — he made sure flowers reached me. Now those circles of love continue to expand, and that’s something we all need.”

“We Will Rise Again” 

Organizer Yonatan Shmeriz, whose brother Alon was kidnapped and accidentally killed by IDF fire, delivered one of the evening’s most powerful speeches.

“Two years ago, I held a knife to cut a birthday cake — and also to protect my family. I texted my brother Alon that I loved him — and we never spoke again. When I heard he was gone, I wanted to die. But three weeks later, my son Lavi was born, and I promised myself: we will rise.”

He continued:

“October 7 is not only a day of remembrance for the murdered — it is a day of remembrance for lawlessness and failed leadership. But it is also the day a new commitment was born: to bring back the kidnapped and rebuild a country of truth, responsibility, and mutual care. After the darkest days — our most beautiful days will come.”

Government Reaction and Public Sentiment

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had not publicly addressed the anniversary until late Tuesday, issued a statement in response to public criticism.

“Citizens of Israel, we are in fateful days of decision,” he said. “We will continue working to achieve all war goals: bringing back the hostages, eliminating Hamas, and ensuring Gaza never again poses a threat to Israel.”

His comments came hours after Ynet reported his silence on the anniversary.

A Nation United in Grief and Resolve

The ceremony closed with songs, prayers, and a renewed pledge to remember the victims and bring the hostages home. For the families and thousands gathered, it was both a night of sorrow and of unity — a testament to a nation still mourning, fighting, and still determined to rise.