Universities across Israel hold ceremonies marking 100 days since October 7 Hamas assault

Universities across the country are holding ceremonies and activities today in solidarity with the hostages captured by Hamas, the victims of the October 7 assault on southern communities, fallen soldiers and others affected by the ongoing crisis.

Administrators, staff, faculty and students of Israel’s institutes of higher education “wish this day to stand alongside the abductees’ families and join in the call to return the abductees without further delay, quickly and peacefully. We mourn the murdered and the fallen and send wishes for a complete recovery to the wounded,” the Association of University Heads says in a statement.

The various events include solidarity rallies featuring family members of the abducted, art installations, a 100-minute pause in classroom activities, lectures, marches and other activities.

Many of the universities have previously arranged a dedicated exhibit area with pictures of the abductees and other displays where the events are to take place today.

At Ben Gurion University of the Negev, an empty chair is to be placed in all classrooms, reserved for student Noa Argamani, who is among those abducted. At Bar-Ilan University, a ceremony is to be held in a special garden of chrysanthemums and other southern flowers, which was planted at the beginning of the war and is now in bloom.

At both the Hebrew University and Ariel University, 100 yellow balloons are to be released to commemorate the 100-day mark.