Hundreds of people affected by the October 7 massacre, including former hostage Omri Miran, will share their stories as part of the "Salon Otef" initiative at 450 locations across Israel.
Salon Otef, led by 255, the Hostages and Families Organization, consists of gatherings where returned hostages, family members of living and deceased hostages, survivors of the massacre, bereaved families whose loved ones were murdered, and members of the security and rescue forces share their stories.
The gatherings take place in homes and communities across Israel, with 450 planned in early October. Thousands of people are expected to attend.
Salon Otef is being launched with the support of Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael-Jewish National Fund (KKL-JNF, which views it as a strategic component of the commemoration process, and in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation. Additionally, the Atid LaOtef movement, the Nova Tribe Community Association, Edut 710, the Kumu movement, the Kibbutz Movement, and other organizations are participating in the initiative.
This year, the gatherings will also address the challenges that have continued ever since October 7: coping with loss, rehabilitation, returning home, and the effort to rebuild.
Miran calls telling the story a life mission
Miran, who was released from Gaza after 738 days in captivity, said that he views telling the stories of what happened as "an immensely important national mission, a life mission."
"To understand what happened to us on October 7 and what the hostages and their families have endured since then, we need to hear the stories firsthand from those who lived through them," Miran said.
Salon Otef gatherings all center around a direct personal testimony followed by an open conversation with participants. Some gatherings also incorporate singing and live music.
In addition to gatherings in private homes, many survivors will share their stories at companies, organizations, community spaces, and other venues.
In order to facilitate these personal, face-to-face encounters, preserve the testimonies, and enable dialogue, Salon Otef provides speakers and hosts with support and guidance ahead of the gatherings.
"The story of October 7 should first and foremost be told by those who were there and experienced it firsthand. They are the ones who should make their voices heard, describe what they saw and endured, and ensure that the story is written through their testimony," said Mor Peretz, Ceo of 255, the Hostages and Families Organization.
Salon Otef was first launched in 2024, one year after October 7, and has since taken place annually around the anniversary.