Full Breakdown
Former Hostage Or Levy Critiques Israeli Government's Handling of October 7 Memorial Bill
2/17/2026, 3:20:42 AM
Government's Legislative Actions on October 7
Or Levy, a former hostage who endured nearly 500 days in captivity after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks, has publicly criticized the Israeli government's decision to exclude the term "massacre" from a bill designating October 7 as a national day of commemoration. In an interview with KAN Reshet Bet, Levy expressed his dismay upon learning about the government's efforts to alter the language of the memorial bill. He stated, “I heard ministers talking about how we shouldn’t portray ourselves as victims and that we weren’t massacred, so it’s important for me to say, I was there. They massacred me and my wife.” Levy's wife, Einav, was killed during the attacks, and he emphasized the gravity of the situation, questioning, “If this isn’t called a massacre, then what is?”
Criticism of Government Actions
Levy's remarks reflect a broader frustration with the Israeli government's approach to the October 7 events. He condemned the government's reluctance to establish an independent commission of inquiry into the attacks and the subsequent national security failures. During a visit to the bomb shelter from which he was abducted, Levy recounted his experience with Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) investigators, who reportedly expressed uncertainty about the circumstances surrounding the attack. “I sat with two incredible investigators, but they told me, ‘We don’t know,’ ‘There’s no information,’ ‘We assume.’ It’s the year 2026. We’re supposed to know everything, apparently, they don’t want to,” he remarked.
Emotional Impact and Historical Context
Levy's emotional response highlights the personal and collective trauma experienced by victims and their families. He articulated a sense of betrayal, stating, “Feeling that they are disgracing my wife’s memory enrages me. Feeling that they are trying to change history enrages me.” His comments underscore the tension between the government's narrative and the lived experiences of those directly affected by the violence.
Official Statements & Responses
In response to Levy's criticisms, government officials have maintained that the language used in the memorial bill is intended to foster a narrative of resilience rather than victimhood. However, this stance has drawn ire from victims and their families, who argue that it undermines the severity of the events that transpired on October 7.
Verbatim Quotes
- “They massacred me and my wife.” — Or Levy, Former Hostage
- “If this isn’t called a massacre, then what is?” — Or Levy, Former Hostage
- “Feeling that they are disgracing my wife’s memory enrages me,” — Or Levy, Former Hostage
- “I sat with two incredible investigators, but they told me, ‘We don’t know,’ ‘There’s no information,’ ‘We assume.’ It’s the year 2026. We’re supposed to know everything, apparently, they don’t want to.” — Or Levy, Former Hostage
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While Levy's account emphasizes the need for acknowledgment of the October 7 attacks as a massacre, government officials have not publicly addressed the specific language concerns raised by Levy. The absence of a commission of inquiry remains a contentious issue, with differing opinions on its necessity and implications for national security accountability.
This ongoing debate reflects the complexities of memory, trauma, and governance in the aftermath of violent events, raising questions about how history is recorded and remembered.
