Oct7Memorial.org is a non-profit association, which was established following the massacre in the settlements of the Western Negev on October 7, 2023, out of an understanding of the importance of documenting the events, with an emphasis on the preservation and presentation of digital information (WhatsApp correspondence, photos, videos, etc.), which authentically and reliably documented the events.
This digital information authentically records the struggle, the memory of the murdered, and also the heroism, resourcefulness and mutual reliance.
The association was established on the initiative of Yaniv Hegyi, a member of Kibbutz Be'eri, who was joined by partners, local residents and volunteers with the intention of making accessible the events and feelings experienced by the victims in real time, in a historical perspective and for future generations.
From the morning of Saturday, October 7th, until the rescue and arrival at a safe location, most of our communication occurred through WhatsApp and other local messaging applications. Through these platforms, we exchanged messages, shared updates, and urgently called for assistance with our loved ones and the community.
Digital content has a finite lifespan and is susceptible to deletion or disappearance. It is imperative that we preserve and document these exchanges to remember and commemorate the moments experienced by individuals and for the benefit of future generations. By preserving these conversations, we aim to gain insights into the real-time experiences of each individual during the harrowing events.
Whether you were present in a secure room, actively involved in the rescue efforts, or simply a concerned observer, the contents of these conversations allow us to precisely understand and relive the events as they unfolded. They provide a firsthand account of the emotions, actions, and challenges faced by those involved, transcending geographical boundaries and enabling a personal connection to the events.
Time is running out
Every day the correspondence from 7.10 may be deleted from your device.
The urgency
The national influence
The community value
The personal value
What do we do
As part of the project, we are focusing on collecting and centralizing WhatsApp conversations, photos, videos and recorded conversations from October 7th and 8th, to preserve them in one digital archive. The representatives of the project come to the communities to help preserve these important contents, while ensuring privacy and the safety of the information. The technology we have developed allows us to carefully select content from the relevant days, ensuring that your privacy on other days is kept safe
Privacy assurance
Your privacy and the security of the information you share with us are of utmost importance in our project. We are committed to maintaining your privacy and ensuring the security of the content you provide. All collected content will be carefully handled and kept in a secure system, with access to it limited to authorized persons only.
We respect your right to choose what information and in what form you wish to share. The project is designed to document and preserve important content for understanding the events, and we will do everything to ensure that the experience of sharing the content will be pleasant and not stressful for you.
For more questions, you can go to the FAQ page or contact us here.
Our vision
To commemorate the events of the 7th of October, by collecting digital evidence from the residents of the Western Negev settlements, who were present during the critical hours of the events of the massacre, with the aim of authentically presenting and documenting the struggle, the memory of the murdered, the stories of heroism, resourcefulness and mutual reliance.
Our goals
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Establish a digital heritage center that will be used for research, advocacy and education in Israel and around the world. To commemorate individuals, families and communities through digital documentation.
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To secure and preserve the Israeli narrative and preserve first-hand evidence for future generations. To be an information center that will allow connection to other memory initiatives.
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To provide infrastructure for research and education. To appeal to Israeli and universal audiences, including museums, researchers, students, educators, soldiers, Jewish communities around the world and thematic tourism.
Our way of perpetuating the digital information
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A personal appeal to the residents of the settlements of the Western Negev for the purpose of collecting digital evidence.
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Cooperation with decision makers in the community and harnessing them to the project.
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Use of convenient and accessible technology.
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Flexible storage of digital materials, which allows a wide range of options for commemorative products.
