As Israel marked three years since the October 7 massacre on Wednesday at official ceremonies and events across Israel, recognition was also given to members of the Chareidi community who worked from the first hours of the disaster to save lives, preserve kavod hameisim and assist the families of the hostages.

Among the organizations whose efforts have received recognition are ZAKA and Hatzalah, whose volunteers operated at the harrowing scenes of devastation in southern Israel from the first hours of the attack and continued their work throughout the war.

Maj. Gen. (res.) Noam Tibon, former commander of the IDF Northern Corps who is now on the Yesh Atid list, also praised Chareidi journalist and publicist Yisrael Cohen for his efforts on behalf of the hostages and their families.

In the aftermath of October 7, Cohen worked closely with hostage families, connecting them with Gedolei Yisrael and prominent Chareidi public figures and helping build support for the release of hostages within the Chareidi community, with an emphasis on the mitzvah of pidyon shvuyim.

Cohen also participated in tefillah gatherings for the hostages, including at the Kosel, and spoke at Hostages Square. In October 2024, it was reported that he had accompanied hostage families to the homes of Gedolei Yisrael and helped establish ties between the families and the Chareidi community.

Tibon, who himself took part in rescuing relatives and others on the day of the massacre, spoke about Cohen’s efforts during an appearance on Channel 13.

“I want to say something about Yisrael,” Tibon said. “During those difficult days, this man worked on behalf of the hostages. In my eyes, both the tefillos and the statements he made from every platform show what the people of this country have in common.”

(YWN Israel Desk—Jerusalem)