Fearing politicization: Organizers of October 7 families ceremony consider preventing Yonatan Shamriz from speaking

Organizers of the October 7 families ceremony are considering preventing Yonatan Shamriz, founder of the "Kumu" movement, from speaking at this year's event due to fears of politicization, amid its proximity to the 2026 elections. Shamriz, whose brother was accidentally killed by IDF fire, announced his intention to enter politics and has been in contact with the Democrats party. The organizers denied the report.

Organizers of the October 7 families ceremony are considering preventing Yonatan Shamriz, founder of the "Kumu" movement and one of the prominent speakers at the two previous ceremonies, from participating in this year's event. This is due to its proximity to the 2026 elections, which take place just two weeks after the ceremony date, and the organizers' choice to keep it as apolitical as possible. Shamriz, whose brother Alon was accidentally killed by IDF fire while trying to escape captivity along with Yotam Haim and Samer al-Talalka, was one of the main speakers at previous ceremonies and a prominent voice in the struggle to return the hostages. Last January, Shamriz announced his intention to enter politics, and since then various contacts have taken place, including with the Democrats party, regarding the possibility of him being placed on its list. Therefore, the organizers may ask Shamriz not to speak, out of concern among the families for speeches that could be perceived as part of the election campaign. The ceremony organizers denied the report and stated that the list of speakers has not yet been finalized, and that the ceremony is intended to be apolitical and all-Israeli.