Election Day opens with minute of silence at Hostage Square for the families of Oct. 7 victims

Election Day 2026 opened Tuesday morning at 6:29 with a minute of silence at Hostages Square in memory of the fallen and the murdered. Three years after the massacre, families calling themselves the victims of the failure held a special statement to the media, reminding Israelis that their loved ones cannot exercise their right to vote.

“Three years after the massacre, our loved ones will not vote today,” the families said. “Go out and vote, remember them at the ballot box, this is what the election is about!” They called on the public to carry the memory of those they lost behind the voting screen.

Yona Adam, mother of Mapal Adam, who was murdered at the Nova festival, asked voters to remember “the murdered, the fallen, the soldiers suffering from combat shock, and the thousands of families whose lives were shattered forever because of the fiasco.” She called for “a state commission of inquiry, hope, repair and comfort.”

Shelly Meshel-Yogev, mother of Libby Cohen Meguri, who was murdered at Nova, recalled her daughter calling on October 7 to say she had been shot and was losing blood. After an eight-minute call in which Libby said goodbye, gunfire was heard and she fell silent. “Today, as Libby’s mother, I will enter the ballot booth in real fear,” she said. “For me, the hope for change is all I have left in the world.”

Eyal Eshel, whose 19-year-old daughter Roni, a lookout soldier, was burned in the Nahal Oz command room, said she identified the terrorists, reported and warned until the last moment. “The state was supposed to protect her and did not,” he said, adding that one question will not let go: “Who will take responsibility?”

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan survived 738 days in Hamas captivity, said he returned thanks to IDF soldiers and the Israeli public. “But Matan and all the hostages could have been brought back much earlier,” she said. “Many did not return alive.”

Several speakers urged voters to back those committed to a state commission of inquiry. Shir Matias, whose parents Shachar and Shlomi were murdered in Kibbutz Holit, asked Israelis to “choose people who understand what responsibility is.”

Sigal and Yoram Yehudai, parents of Ron, who was murdered at Nova, said they were not telling anyone which party to support. “Vote for the parties that committed to establishing a state commission of inquiry that will give us answers and peace for our weary souls,” they said.

Hagit and Ruby Chen, whose son, Staff Sgt. Itay Chen fell defending the Nahal Oz outpost and was returned after 760 days, said: “Itay will not vote today.” They urged Israelis to remember the truth, demand accountability, and fulfill their duty to prevent the next disaster.

Menashe Ram, father of Omri Ram, who was murdered at Nova, said he would vote “for the truth, for justice, for repair, for the future of our country.” Michel Illouz, whose son Guy was abducted alive from Nova and murdered in captivity, urged: “Remember him at the ballot box.”

Ofri Tzur, sister of Capt. Amir Tzur, a Sayeret Matkal officer who fell defending Kfar Aza, said some were trying to evade responsibility and convince Israelis that everything had returned to routine. “And our hope begins at the ballot box,” she said.

Yonatan Shani, brother of Ido Shani, the deputy commander of the Nahal Reconnaissance Unit who fell defending Kibbutz Sufa, said: “Serving in the IDF is a privilege, and voting is a privilege, so exercise it and go vote.”