Just a few miles from the Gaza border, the city of Sderot has opened a new center devoted exclusively to commemorating the atrocities committed during the Hamas-led massacre on October 7.
The memorial, established by the ISRAEL-is organization in cooperation with Sderot’s municipal government, was created to serve as a permanent reminder of that horrific day and to preserve firsthand accounts from those who survived the attack.
Built in a location that itself was a target of the brutal assault, the center immerses visitors in the tragic events through a powerful guided experience. The tour features recorded testimonies captured as the events unfolded, a viewing platform facing Gaza, and a virtual reality segment that tells the stories of five survivors in vivid, personal detail.
This endeavor is part of the Tell to Survive project, which was designed to allow people — both from within Israel and from around the world — to engage directly with the narratives of the victims and survivors. The exhibition integrates cutting-edge media, including interactive elements and audio storytelling, to ensure a visceral connection to the events of that day.
The program is overseen by Stephen Smith, a documentary filmmaker renowned for his work chronicling the testimonies of Holocaust survivors. His focus has now shifted to preserving the experiences of those who endured the trauma of October 7.
Founded in 2017, ISRAEL-is is a nonprofit group dedicated to grassroots advocacy on behalf of Israel. The organization collaborates with the IDF, Israeli universities, and international communities, aiming to present Israel’s story in a candid, educational, and impactful manner to audiences around the globe.

{Matzav.com}