JERUSALEM, Israel – Tuesday was a day of mixed emotions for Israelis – the joyful beginning of the biblical Feast of Sukkot (Tabernacles) coupled with the second anniversary of the Hamas October 7th massacre, hostage taking, and war in Gaza. The day came against the backdrop of a new round of talks to free the hostages and end the war.

Tens of thousands of Israelis attended the Bereaved Families National Memorial Ceremony marking the second anniversary of the fateful attack. Thousands more watched the live televised ceremony from Hostage Square in Tel Aviv and Paris Square in Jerusalem, as well as in homes across the country.

The ceremony opened with a moment of silence and continued with a violin solo by former hostage Agam Berger. There were also speeches from relatives of hostages and

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