Jerusalem Honors Victims of October 7 with Swords of Iron Memorial

In a moving ceremony on Sunday, Israeli President Isaac Herzog and Jerusalem Mayor Moshe Lion unveiled the Swords of Iron memorial, the first monument in Jerusalem dedicated to the victims of Hamas’s brutal October 7 attack. Situated on Ruppin Street, across from the National Library, the monument commemorates both the innocent civilians and the Israel Defense Forces soldiers who gave their lives in the subsequent war to protect the nation.

President Herzog addressed the somber occasion, noting the painful reality Israel faces. “These are difficult, painful, and bloody days,” he said. “Our enemies are doing everything they can to prevent Israeli citizens from living normal lives.” He emphasized that Israel, while never seeking war, would stop at nothing to ensure the safety of its citizens. “We will not rest and we will not stop until all Israeli citizens return to their homes and are safe and secure.”

The ceremony was attended by senior officials, Jerusalem City Council members, international ambassadors, and bereaved families, each paying tribute to the fallen. Mayor Lion remarked on the significance of the memorial, saying, “This monument highlights the magnitude of the loss Jerusalem has experienced, while also conveying hope for better days, days that we all pray for and long to see.”

The memorial, made of iron, stands 14 meters in diameter and rises 5.5 meters high. It bears the names of all the fallen heroes: soldiers, security personnel, rescue workers, and civilians from Jerusalem who lost their lives since the tragic day. Inside, a verse from the "Nachem" prayer—traditionally recited on Tisha B’Av—captures the sorrow of the city: “Therefore Zion will weep bitterly, and Jerusalem will give forth its voice. My heart, my heart grieves for their fallen; my bowels, my bowels grieve for their fallen.”

In the heart of the monument, an intimate space has been created, where families can privately reflect on their loved ones, surrounded by unique lighting that adds to the solemn atmosphere.

Rabbi Shmuel Slotki, who tragically lost two sons in the war, recited a chapter from Psalms, while Jon Polin, father of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, one of the hostages recently executed in Gaza, delivered a prayer for the return of all hostages.

The Swords of Iron memorial serves not only as a reminder of the immense loss Israel has endured since October 7, but also as a testament to the unity, hope, and resolve of the Jewish people. It stands as a symbol of Jerusalem’s resilience and the shared pain of the nation, offering a space for reflection, mourning, and a commitment to a more secure future.

Israel’s strength lies not only in its military but in the unity of its people, determined to defend their homeland and rebuild their lives.

Share this story to honor those who have fallen and stand with Israel in these challenging times. Subscribe to our newsletter for more updates and stories from Israel.