The cabinet unanimously approved the establishment of a national day of remembrance to honor the victims of the October 7 attack and subsequent Gaza war. This memorial day will be observed annually on the 24th of the Hebrew month of Tishrei.

The commemoration will include two state ceremonies to honor the memory of the fallen servicemen and women who lost their lives in the ongoing conflict against Hamas, as well as the civilians who were killed during the initial attack by Hamas. This day of remembrance will be distinct from Yom HaZikaron, Israel’s existing memorial day, which is observed on the 4th of Iyar.

As the 24th of Tishrei falls on Shabbat this year, the first anniversary of the attack will instead be commemorated on its Gregorian date of October 7.

The October 7 Hamas terror onslaught, unprecedented in its scale, involved approximately 3,000 terrorists launching an assault on Israel through various means, resulting in the deaths of around 1,200 people, the majority of whom were civilians subjected to horrific acts of violence. Additionally, 253 individuals were taken hostage during the attack.

Legislation is currently being drafted to criminalize the denial, minimization, or celebration of the events of the October 7 attack, underscoring the significance and solemnity with which this national day of remembrance will be observed.