Amal Educational Network Marks First Anniversary of October 7th Attack

Yesterday, the Amal  Educational Network held memorial ceremonies across most of its schools, spanning 21 municipalities, to honor the victims of the October 7th surprise attack by Hamas. These gatherings marked the first anniversary of the attack that triggered a year-long war, which continues to this day. Nearly 2,000 Israelis have lost their lives since what is now known as “The Black Shabbat.”

At Amal’s central ceremony, Karen Tal, Managing Director of the Amal Educational Network, addressed the profound impact this past year has had on countless Israeli families. She spoke of those who lost loved ones, those still waiting for the return of captives, and the many whose lives have been upended—whether through displacement, financial hardship, or the burden placed on families with loved ones called to military reserves.

Tal particularly mentioned the 42 Amal graduates who lost their lives in the past year, including two taken hostage on October 7th. While one, Almog Meir Jan, has since been rescued, Matan Zangauker remains in captivity, and the network continues to long for his safe return.

Reflecting on the global view of Israel since the attack, Tal said, “This year changed everything. She spoke of the rise in antisemitic incidents in the US and in Europe and expressed her concern for our Jewish friends abroad. She emphasized that while this ceremony marks a year of war, true revival or rehabilitation for Israeli society cannot begin until every hostage is brought home.

Karen also highlighted Amal’s efforts to rebuild Israel through education. As part of a transformative process, Amal is embedding civic values across its diverse network of schools, encouraging educators to take responsibility for teaching the principles of a shared society, especially in the wake of years of division and trauma.

Following Tal’s address, Daphna Naim, principal of Amal’s Amirim High School in Ofakim, took the stage. Ofakim, a southern town, located 25 KM from Gaza, lost 52 residents on the Black Shabbat. Naim shared a personal reflection on how waking up late that day and missing her routine powerwalk saved her and her husband’s lives. She spoke of the friends, neighbors, and former students she tragically lost.

Naim also described how she channeled her students’ grief into a healing project: leading tours around Ofakim, explaining the events of October 7th. So far, her students have led 150 tours for visitors from Israel and abroad, sharing their town’s resilience in the face of the brutal terrorist invasion that impacted the lives of all its residents.

The ceremony concluded with the singing of Hatikva, Israel’s national anthem, and a heartfelt prayer for the rebuilding of the country and the continued hope for peace.