Full Breakdown
National Library of Israel Launches Memorial Book Initiative Ahead of October 7 Anniversary
By Drooid · · How we work
Initiative Overview
The National Library of Israel announced a program to collect and preserve memorial books and booklets created in memory of individuals killed in combat or murdered in terrorist attacks. The effort is timed for the third anniversary of the October 7 attacks and aims to safeguard these publications for future generations.
Context and Archive
The library’s October 7 Archive, established after the attacks, already gathers testimonies, personal collections, and other materials documenting the events and the ensuing war. The new initiative expands this work by focusing on the “memorial books” produced by families, friends, communities, and organizations, as well as works authored by victims that were published posthumously.
Public Participation Call
Families possessing memorial books or booklets that have not yet been deposited are invited to submit physical copies, digital versions, or both. The library provides an online catalog where the public can verify whether a specific title is already in the collection. A dedicated microsite will allow visitors to explore the personal stories and names featured in the publications.
Anticipated Impact
By preserving these personal narratives, the library seeks to maintain a tangible record of the societal loss and resilience that followed the attacks. Officials describe the publications as a significant component of Israel’s personal and national memory, and the initiative is intended to make them accessible to scholars, educators, and the broader public over the long term.
Upcoming Exhibition
Beginning October 7, 2026, the National Library will present the three-month exhibition “7.10 | Bound in Memory,” showcasing the memorial books and booklets collected to date. The exhibition will run for three months and will be complemented by the new microsite, offering both physical and digital access to the stories behind the names.