Throughout the conflict in Gaza, the Israeli government has sought to control public perception of events through the use of selective and colored language. Recently, the government proposed to refer to the Hamas massacre of Israelis on October 7, 2023, as 'the events of October 7.' This suggestion sparked significant public outrage and led to demonstrations across the country. Critics argue that such terminology downplays the severity of the attack and is a disturbing effort to reshape historical narratives.

The proposal was met with widespread condemnation from various sectors of Israeli society. Demonstrators expressed their anger, claiming that the government's descriptive choices are not only insensitive to the victims and their families but also attempt to trivialize the brutality of the massacre. This reaction highlights the deep division within Israeli society regarding the interpretation and implications of the conflict and the language used to discuss it.

This situation raises concerns about freedom of speech and the role of government in influencing public discourse. Many fear that labeling tragedies with euphemistic terms could lead to a desensitization of public response and a potential erosion of historical truths. The backlash against this proposal underscores the importance of language in shaping collective memory and its impact on societal trauma and healing.