November 7, 2025 – On October 29, the Hebrew University of Jerusalem (HU) held a solemn ceremony marking two years since the events of October 7, 2023. 

The event was led by Ambassador Yossi Gal, Vice President for Advancement and External Relations at the Hebrew University, and attended by students, faculty, and members of the broader university community. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Prof. Tamir Sheafer, President of the Hebrew University, emphasized the University’s enduring commitment to remembrance, resilience, and national healing through education and community. 

“After two challenging years, we are beginning to see a ray of hope,” said Prof. Sheafer. “Our community has shown remarkable strength and unity, continuing to learn, research, and live together despite deep divisions. At the Hebrew University, we remain committed to leading the process of reconciliation and healing.” 

Among those who spoke were bereaved fathers whose sons were killed on October 7th: 

Gilad Golan, father of Sagi Golan (z”l), shared moving words about the many initiatives launched in his son’s memory, including the “Sagi Project,” established by the University in 2025 to promote creativity and community leadership among students. 

Izhar Shay, father of Yaron (z”l), spoke about the “Next October” initiative, dedicated to commemorating Yaron’s legacy through civic action and remembrance. 

Inbar Goldshtein, whose brother Nadav and niece Yam were murdered on October 7th (and whose sister-in-law and three children were kidnapped and later returned from captivity in a hostage release deal), spoke movingly at the ceremony. Inbar read from the words she spoke at their funeral, translated from Hebrew: 

“Don’t forget that morning when tears melted, because it was the day God rested from all that He created to do. And don’t forget Kfar Aza, nor the days of innocence, 
and don’t forget how among the flowers sank the shards of childhood.” 

The ceremony concluded with a moving musical performance by Rotem Sharabi, niece of Yossi (z”l) and Eli Sharabi—the latter released after being held hostage in Gaza for 491 days. She performed a song composed to the words of Sagi Golan (z”l). 

As the HU community gathered in remembrance, participants also expressed their unwavering hope and demand for the return of the remaining hostages still held in Gaza, and the repatriation of the bodies of those who fell and have yet to be returned to Israel. 

AFHU joins the Hebrew University of Jerusalem in continuing to stand with the families and communities forever changed by the events of that day. We remain committed to honoring the memory of the victims through education, dialogue, and the pursuit of peace.

You can view the event here.