Ambassador Reuven Azar’s speech at the memorial event for October 7th is a poignant reflection on a day that changed the course of Israeli history. The massacre, which claimed countless lives, was not just a breach of Israel’s southern border but a violation of the sacred contract between a state and its citizens. The attack laid bare a failure—a failure of the government and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to protect those they were sworn to defend.
When the first images of murder, kidnapping, and the celebratory dragging of hostages through Gaza streets surfaced, it was hard to comprehend. The brutal nature of the violence was beyond what any civilized society could grasp. Terrorists, driven by a radical ideology, committed atrocities not for survival but for sheer terror and spectacle. They were worse than animals, Ambassador Azar remarked, for even animals kill out of necessity, not cruelty.
In the days and weeks following the attack, as more horrific details emerged, Israel was engulfed in a wave of collective trauma. The psychological toll was immense. Survivors grappled with unimaginable suffering, and families of the murdered, abducted, or wounded were plunged into despair. The national trauma reverberated across Israeli society.
However, the most haunting aspect of October 7th is not just the horror of the attacks but the breach of trust between the Israeli state and its people. Ambassador Azar pointed out that unlike the Yom Kippur War of 1973, where IDF forces bore the brunt of the surprise attack, this time it was civilians who suffered the greatest loss. The government and the military, tasked with safeguarding the populace, failed in their duty, leaving Israelis questioning their faith in state institutions.
Yet, amidst the tragedy and failure, there emerged a remarkable resilience. As Ambassador Azar highlighted, the Israeli people rose above the ashes of this catastrophe with an inspiring display of unity and self-reliance. Tens of thousands returned from abroad to join the fight, while countless others volunteered to support the victims, their families, and the country’s economy. It was a testament to the indomitable spirit of a nation that, despite being failed by its leadership, did not fail itself.
The younger generation, in particular, proved to be a beacon of hope. Though they were the ones most failed by the system, they rose to the occasion, showing courage and determination that surpassed all expectations. Their resilience and fortitude became the foundation upon which Israel will rebuild.
Ambassador Azar’s speech was also a powerful affirmation of Israel’s future. Despite the wounds of October 7th, Israel will prevail. The country will defeat its enemies, rescue its hostages, and learn from its mistakes. More importantly, it will continue to thrive as a free, democratic, and sovereign nation, committed to contributing to humanity and working toward peace.
In the wake of this tragedy, Israel must also face its own shortcomings. The breach of trust between the government and its people is profound, and it will take time for that trust to be restored. But with the resilience of its citizens and the support of global partners like India, Israel has the strength to heal and the will to emerge stronger than ever.
In a world that too often looks away from the horrors of terrorism, Ambassador Azar’s speech serves as a reminder that Israel is here to stay. Its people, united in their suffering and their resolve, will ensure that the nation not only survives but continues to prosper.
The echoes of October 7th will remain with Israel for years to come, but so too will the lessons learned. Israel’s greatest strength has always been its people, and in the face of failure, they have shown the world the true meaning of resilience.
