Three years later, October 7 is still not in the past for Israelis - editorial

Three years ago, Israel awoke to the unimaginable: Hamas terrorists breached Gaza's border, overwhelmed communities and military installations, attacked a music festival, killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages into Gaza. This day marked the deadliest in Israel's history since its founding. Despite this, many Israelis have been left grappling with the aftermath, rather than moving on from the event.

The war that commenced that day has yet to be fully resolved. Hamas remains un-disarmed, its future in Gaza remains uncertain, and questions about governance in Gaza and measures to prevent future atrocities still linger. Beyond Gaza, Iran and its proxies continue to present a threat, and Israel remains on high alert, fearing another potential war.

In the aftermath of October 7, life for many has been about living with the consequences and the lingering questions. For former hostages, the daily reminders of their captivity are stark. Emily Damari, a former hostage, now finds gratitude in the simplest things, like opening the fridge and drinking cold water. Eli Sharabi, who spent 491 days in captivity, has learned to appreciate every moment and choice.

Hagar Brodutch, who was abducted with her children, has found solace in finding new paths, such as taking pastry-baking classes to build a future.

However, not all have been able to return to their pre-October 7 lives. Michal Negri's son, Major (res.) Roee Negri, 28, was killed while rescuing civilians. For Negri, accountability is crucial through a state commission of inquiry, as she wants those responsible for the government's failures leading up to October 7 to be held accountable, ensuring it won't happen again.

This call for accountability is not just for Negri, but for the entire nation, as lessons must be learned and failures addressed to prevent future tragedies.

As Israel prepares for its national elections, it is vital to remember that the threat is not just external, but those seeking to destroy Israel. The memory of those killed on October 7 and since should be honored, as Israel continues to navigate the past and present amidst these challenges.