Government officials on Wednesday removed the term “massacre” from the title of a draft law establishing a day of remembrance for October 7, 2023. Instead, the day will be commemorated as the “events of Simchat Torah,” arguing that “heroism” also occurred on that day.
The proposal has drawn widespread criticism in Israel. Culture and Sports Minister Miki Zohar defended the removal, stating that the word “massacre” reflects a “victim mentality.” On Thursday, families of the victims, represented by the “October Council,” protested outside the minister’s residence, demanding his resignation.
