Reflection on October 7 Attack
During a solemn ceremony at the Israel embassy in Delhi, Israel’s Ambassador to India, Reuven Azar, emphasized the importance of bringing back hostages held by Hamas. This event marked the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attack by Hamas. Ambassador Azar recalled, “One year ago, October 7 shook our being. It took a few hours to grasp the terrible atrocities happening on our southern border. Israel will prevail. We will defeat our enemies. We will bring back hostages. We will work hard to learn from our mistakes.”
Acknowledgment of India’s Support
Azar took the opportunity to express gratitude for India’s support, stating, “We are grateful for the support of the Government and People of India, who partner with us, and our neighbors, to build a better future.” His words highlighted the significant role that India has played in standing with Israel during these challenging times.
Horror of the Hamas Attacks
Ambassador Azar painted a grim picture of the atrocities committed by Hamas during the October 7 attack. He described scenes of murder, kidnapping, and burning, accompanied by celebrations in Gaza as hostages were taken. “These terrorists were killing and boasting about it. They are worse than animals,” he stressed.
The Lasting Trauma
Azar also delved into the psychological toll the attack has had on Israel, drawing parallels with the surprise attack Israel faced in 1973. However, he noted that the October 7 attack had an even more devastating impact, adding, “50 years later, the 7th of October 2023 was much worse… It was because at the national level, the basic contract between citizen and state was breached. We, the government of Israel and the IDF, failed in our most basic and essential mission: to defend our citizens.”