Israel mourns on Memorial Day following Oct. 7 tragedy, with deep sorrow and anger still fresh

TEL AVIV, Israel — Ruby Chen’s son, Itay, was killed in the Hamas attack on Oct. 7, but unlike many other families of fallen soldiers, Chen does not have a grave to visit as her son’s remains are held captive in Gaza.

As Israel marks its Memorial Day for fallen soldiers, the absence of a final resting place for Itay is deeply felt. Chen expresses her anguish, questioning, “Where are we supposed to go? There is no burial site for us to visit.”

The events of Oct. 7 have left a lasting impact on Israel, with profound sadness and anger gripping the nation. Families of the fallen, along with the public, are demanding accountability from political and military leaders for the failures that led to the deadliest attack in the country’s history.

The attack by Hamas resulted in the deaths of hundreds, including roughly 1,200 people, with a quarter of them being soldiers. The war that ensued has claimed the lives of more than 34,700 Palestinians, intensifying the grief and anger felt across Israel.

The trauma of Oct. 7 continues to loom large, casting a shadow over Memorial Day ceremonies and Independence Day celebrations. The ongoing conflict and the failure to achieve the war’s objectives have left many questioning the future and the ability of the state to defend its citizens.

As Israel grapples with the aftermath of the attack and the ongoing war, the mood is somber, and the nation is left wondering how to commemorate these significant days amidst the turmoil and uncertainty.