Today marks three years since the Hamas-led atrocities of 7 October 2023. We remember the men, women and children who were massacred in their homes, communities and at the Nova music festival, and all those whose lives were shattered by that terrible day.
We honour the extraordinary bravery of the hostages who made it home. Their release brought immense relief, but freedom does not erase the suffering they endured. As they rebuild their lives, they and their families deserve lasting compassion, support and care. We remember with profound sorrow the hostages who were murdered or otherwise lost their lives, and stand alongside the families whose hoped-for reunions became unbearable grief.
We pay tribute to the IDF soldiers who continue to risk their lives fighting terrorists and defending Israel’s people. We honour those who have fallen, those living with physical and psychological wounds, and the families who bear the immense burden of their service. We also remember the courage of the civilians, first responders and security personnel who saved lives on 7 October, often at the cost of their own.
The impact of 7 October reached far beyond Israel. Jewish communities worldwide experienced a shared trauma, compounded by the disgraceful rise in antisemitism that followed. Jews have faced abuse, intimidation and violence, while supporters of Israel have also been threatened and targeted for refusing to remain silent. No one should have to conceal their Jewish identity or fear expressing solidarity with Israel.
The celebration, denial and justification of the atrocities have deepened that pain. Murder, hostage-taking and terror must never be excused as “resistance”. We call on political leaders, public institutions and civil society to confront antisemitism unequivocally and turn expressions of concern into meaningful action.
We thank the friends and allies who have stood beside the Jewish people throughout these painful years. Their solidarity matters, and we will not forget it.
On this anniversary, we reaffirm our commitment to Jewish life, Israel’s security and the Jewish people’s right to national self-determination. We hope for a future in which Israelis can live in safety and all civilians can live free from terror and war.
We will remember the victims, stand with the survivors and refuse to allow hatred to define our future. May the memory of those we have lost be a blessing.
