Israelis came together nationwide on Monday night to watch the civilian October 7 memorial ceremony, broadcast at over 300 community viewings. Funded through a successful crowdfunding campaign, the ceremony featured top Israeli artists.
Initially planned to accommodate 40,000 attendees, security concerns led organizers to limit guests and opt for community screenings. Despite the initial plan to hold the ceremony in the south, it was eventually moved to the center due to overwhelming demand.
This civilian-led ceremony serves as a symbolic response to the perceived absence of the state during the tragic events of October 7. In the past year, civilians have taken on crucial roles in supporting each other, filling in gaps where the government fell short.