Passengers observe a moment's silence on board El Al flight in memory of October 7 victims
(Video: El AL)
One year after the October 7 massacre that claimed more than 1,200 lives, left 250 hostages in Gaza and sparked war on multiple fronts, Israeli airlines marked the day with poignant tributes on Monday.
El Al, Israel’s flagship airline, observed a minute of silence mid-flight, accompanied by a special announcement in memory of the victims. "Passengers and crew will receive anemone stickers, symbolizing the hope each of us holds in our hearts," the company said.
El Al planes displayed slides commemorating the anniversary, while boarding passes were redesigned to include anemones as a sign of solidarity. A unique playlist in memory of the 202nd Paratroopers Battalion was also offered on board.
In addition, El Al’s King David Lounge at Ben Gurion Airport featured an “Anemones of Hope” exhibition, with ceramic anemones created by entrepreneur Yaffe Salomon and her partners. The project aims to distribute 100,000 clay anemones across Israel to commemorate those killed on October 7. These flowers, which bloom annually in the Gaza border region, became symbols of hope after the deadly attack on southern Israel.
Nadav Hanin, El Al's VP of Marketing, Digital, and Communications, said: “Together with the people of Israel, El Al mourns, remembers and bows its head. We honor the memory of the victims and the fallen heroes and send our prayers for the safe return of the hostages.”
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Israir hostage pins and ribbons handed to passengers by Israir
(Photo: Ben-Ami Keren)
Israir also participated in the memorial by branding its planes with a message reading, "You are always with us, waiting for your return." Seat cushions bore the same message, and employees wore pins and yellow ribbons in solidarity with the hostages. Israir hung hundreds of signs across southern Gaza border communities to honor the memory of the fallen and kidnapped.
Arkia joined the commemoration by distributing 101 hostage bracelets on flights. Special announcements by captains marked the occasion, and Ofri Bibas, sister of hostage Yarden Bibas, met with Arkia employees at the company’s offices.
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