Hundreds of ambassadors, diplomats attend UN event marking three years since October 7 massacre

Hundreds of ambassadors and senior diplomats attended a UN event in New York marking three years since the October 7 massacre, organized by Israel's mission to the UN. The event featured the story of Eliya Cohen, who was held captive for 505 days, and Ziv Abud, who survived and campaigned for his release. Ambassador Danny Danon said the date "can never be erased, rewritten or forgotten."

Hundreds of ambassadors, senior diplomats, and guests attended an event at UN headquarters in New York on Tuesday, organized by Israel's mission to the UN, marking three years since the October 7 massacre. The event centered on the story of Eliya Cohen and Ziv Abud, who arrived together at the Nova music festival on October 7 and sought shelter in a roadside bomb shelter near Re'im that became the scene of a massacre. Cohen was abducted to Gaza and held captive by Hamas for 505 days, while Abud survived the massacre and campaigned for his release throughout his captivity. Only after returning from captivity did Cohen learn that Abud had survived. American television host Dr. Phil spoke with Cohen and Abud about their story, Cohen's time in captivity, and their efforts to cope and recover afterward. Israel's Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, said: "Three years later, we stand at the heart of the UN to say one simple thing: October 7 can never be erased, rewritten or forgotten. The pain remains with us, but it did not break us." US Ambassador to the UN, Mike Waltz, said that "October 7 will not happen again, certainly not on this president's watch" and that the attack "backfired on Iran and on the terrorist organizations operating under its sponsorship." IDF reservist Staff Sgt. Uriya Berlin recounted her experiences as a surveillance soldier at the Re'im base on October 7, while singer Idan Raichel performed. Attendees included ambassadors and senior diplomats from the United States, Australia, Germany, the United Kingdom, Argentina, Tanzania, and other countries.