The Ambassador of Israel to Ghana, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, Roey Gilad, has called for unity, national introspection, and a renewed pursuit of peace as Israel marks the second anniversary of the October 7 massacre, which claimed nearly 1,200 lives and left deep scars on the nation.
Speaking at a solemn anniversary event in Accra on Thursday, October 16, 2025, to commemorate two years since Hamas’ attack on Israel, Ambassador Gilad emphasised that national cohesion and mutual understanding are key to Israel’s recovery and lasting peace.
He described October 7, 2023, as “the most tragic day since Israel’s establishment as a sovereign state in 1948.”
He recounted the horrors of that morning when Hamas militants stormed Israeli communities, killing civilians from Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike, and kidnapping 251 others to Gaza.
The Ambassador also paid special tribute to four Israelis with strong connections to Ghana who lost their lives during the massacre and the subsequent war: Sergeant Amir Fisher, Sergeant Elishay Yong, Major Guy Nizri, and Staff Sergeant Uriel Avraham.
“May the memory of Amir, Elishay, Guy, and Uriel, together with all those who were murdered on October 7 and beyond, be for a blessing,” he said, as the audience observed a moment of silence.
Ambassador Gilad used the occasion to highlight three major lessons from the tragedy: military, domestic, and strategic.
He stressed that Israel must never again be “naïve” or underestimate its enemies, noting that “he who wants peace should be ready for war.”
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On the domestic front, he urged Israelis to rise above polarisation and heal internal divisions, saying, “Only we can bring ourselves down.”
The Ambassador also underscored the need for an official State Commission of Inquiry to ensure accountability and rebuild public trust.
He concluded by stating that Israel has endured some of its worst years, and that the ultimate solution to the century-old conflict must be political, not military.
“There is nothing more that we want than to live normal, secure, and peaceful lives in Israel, next to peaceful neighbors,” he added.
SP/MA
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