IDF, Defense Ministry announce plan to commemorate slain civilians who showed ‘extraordinary courage’

The IDF and Defense Ministry announce a new national framework to honor civilians who acted with exceptional bravery or died under unique circumstances during Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack and the subsequent war.

Under the government decision, civilians who fought in the battles during the Hamas-led onslaught in southern Israel on October 7-8, hostages murdered in captivity after taking courageous action, and individuals who served in the military during the ongoing war and were killed while off duty, will now be eligible for official recognition and commemoration — subject to defined criteria.

The plan includes military representation at civilian funerals, special plaques on graves marked with the state emblem, and formal mention during national memorial ceremonies and on the state website for victims of hostilities.

According to the statement, families may submit applications through the IDF’s “Kesher Ad” casualty support system.

The decision comes amid growing calls to honor civilians who played active roles in the defense effort or were killed in extraordinary circumstances.

An advisory committee was established in April 2024 by then IDF Personnel Directorate head Maj. Gen. Yaniv Asor, at the request of former IDF chief of staff Herzi Halevi and with the approval of then defense minister Yoav Gallant, to evaluate how it would “recognize and honor” hostages and other civilians who participated in the fighting or were in unique situations amid the war.

The committee includes senior figures from the Defense Ministry, casualty departments, and public memorial bodies.