President Isaac Herzog delivers a powerful message of unity, resilience, and gratitude to allies—especially President Trump—as Israel commemorates two years since Hamas’s barbaric October 7 attack.
As Israel mourns and remembers the two-year anniversary of the October 7, 2023 Hamas massacre, President Isaac Herzog delivered a stirring national address on Tuesday evening, vowing that the Jewish nation will never forget, never surrender, and never stop fighting for the return of every hostage still held in Gaza.
“Two years since that dark day — October 7, 2023 — the day Israel’s soul was torn apart, when Hamas terrorists unleashed unspeakable evil against innocent men, women, and children,” Herzog said. “From that darkness rose the courage of our soldiers, the heroism of our citizens, and the unity of a people who refused to break.”
Herzog reaffirmed that Israel’s mission remains unchanged:
“We will not rest, we will not be silent, until all 48 hostages are home.”
The President also spoke of the global resurgence of antisemitism since the massacre, describing it as “a tidal wave of hate” spreading across the world. “As antisemitism surges, we stand shoulder to shoulder with Jewish communities everywhere,” he declared.
“Israel remains a beacon of freedom and democracy in a turbulent region,” Herzog continued. “Out of the pain of these years, I truly believe a new era of cooperation and shared prosperity can yet be born.”
In his speech, Herzog captured the unbreakable spirit that defines Israel’s national identity:
“From the depths of grief we draw strength; from the ashes of tragedy we build renewal. The story of Israel is the story of resilience — of a people who will never give up, never give in, and never stop believing that light will overcome the darkness.”
Herzog expressed deep gratitude to Israel’s global partners and friends, particularly highlighting U.S. President Donald Trump’s leadership in spearheading the current hostage-release and ceasefire negotiations taking place in Egypt.
“I extend special thanks to President Trump for his incredible efforts to bring all our hostages home and to bring peace to the Middle East,” Herzog said. “I pray for the success of his efforts and the success of the negotiating teams.”
As Israelis lit memorial candles and gathered in towns and cities across the country, Herzog’s message resonated far beyond Israel’s borders — a testament to the enduring faith of a nation that refuses to be defined by tragedy, but rather by its unyielding pursuit of light.
“Am Yisrael Chai — the people of Israel live,” the President concluded.
