Netanyahu vows to ‘finish the mission’ at somber memorial for Oct 7 victims
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog spoke at the State Memorial Ceremony for the civilians killed on Oct. 7, 2023, lauding the resolve of the Israeli people in facing disaster and promising to “finish the mission.”
Throughout his speech, Prime Minister Netanyahu referred to victims and survivors of the Hamas massacre of Oct. 7, who demonstrated heroism and resolve.
“From the abysses of the fracture, the forces of our life burst forth,” Netanyahu said, speaking of the heroism displayed by Israelis from various backgrounds. “In the most difficult moments, our heroes did not hesitate – they leaped into the fire. Soldiers, female soldiers. Policemen and policewomen. Security personnel. And no less than that – citizens imbued with mutual responsibility, who acted to rescue, to save, to deliver.”
Netanyahu also praised the heroism displayed by Israelis in confronting antisemitism around the world, linking it to the recent Flydubai terror attack.
“We will continue to struggle for the truth – and the truth will prevail. Good will prevail – Israel will prevail,” the prime minister stated. “Just as we saw the heroism of Israel’s citizens at its best on the plane from Dubai. That same heroism we saw on October 7 and throughout the War of Redemption.”
Prime Minister Netanyahu also vowed to continue the fight against Israel’s enemies, including the Hamas terrorists involved in the Oct. 7 attacks.
“We are eliminating them one by one – they are not worthy of walking upon the face of the earth,” he stated. “We will eradicate Hamas’s regime of blood. We will destroy it. That is how one ought to deal with those agents of darkness who aspire to destroy us all.”
He spoke of the promise he made to Doron Journo, father of Karin Journo, who was killed in the Hamas attack on the Nova Music Festival, as she tried to hide behind an ambulance.
Describing how Doron shared “from the depths of his tormented soul,” Netanyahu said he promised Doron, “This is my commitment. We will finish the mission.”
“We will settle accounts with those who dispatched and carried out the horrific massacre in our towns, our kibbutzim, our cities,” Netanyahu resolved. “There is no forgiveness for the murderers, the abusers, the arsonists. There is no forgiveness for the destroyers, the looters, the kidnappers.”
“Terrorism will not extinguish the eternal light of our nation – the light of our loved ones who were murdered,” Netanyahu concluded. “By their light, we will persevere on the path. We will persevere in reaching out a hand to one another. We will persevere in marching forward – for the future of the nation and the State. With God’s help, the victims of hostile acts will always be part of our national journey toward revival, hope, and victory. May their memory be blessed.”
President Isaac Herzog also addressed those gathered at the memorial, including families of Oct. 7 victims.
“Three years since the day of our catastrophe, October 7th, we bow our heads in memory of those who were murdered and those who fell in battle, and we stand by your side, our dear and beloved bereaved families,” Herzog said in his opening remarks.
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