What’s happening
For the second week in a row, members of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum are merging their weekly Saturday night vigil at Hostages Square with the larger, more energetic anti-government protests on Tel Aviv’s Begin Road. This move comes amid mounting public frustration following the discovery of six Israeli hostages shot dead by Hamas captors in Gaza.
Why it matters
The unification of these demonstrations signifies a significant shift in the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which aims to remain apolitical while amplifying its call for the safe return of kidnapped Israelis. This decision highlights the growing unrest and desperation within Israeli society, as families seek to exert pressure for government action.
Details
Last Saturday’s rally witnessed the biggest turnout in nearly a year of weekly demonstrations demanding freedom for hostages taken on October 7. Many Israelis, spurred by recent tragic discoveries in Gaza, joined the protests on Begin Road, voicing their anger and despair over the stalled hostage situation and government actions.
Notably, protestors united in chants, flag-waving, and police confrontations, signaling intensified public dissatisfaction.
Voices from the Families
Family members of those kidnapped have been vocal in their criticism of the Israeli government’s approach. Gil Dickmann, cousin of Carmel Gat—one of the six hostages killed—expressed deep frustration, attributing their anger to perceived government priorities that appear to undermine efforts to secure a hostage deal.
“Our anger has intensified. Prioritizing military operations over a hostage deal was a breaking point for us,” stated Dickmann. Similar sentiments were echoed by his sister, Shay Dickmann, who condemned the government’s strategy during a unified Saturday rally.
Forum Friction
While the Hostages and Missing Families Forum has found common grounds with anti-government demonstrators, some families feel estranged by this alliance. Members of the more hawkish Tikva Forum argue that these combined protests are counterproductive, alleging that they undermine efforts to press Hamas and potentially endanger hostages by sowing public discord.
“These rallies are playing into Hamas’s hands,” lamented Tikva’s Nadav Miran, fearing it weakens Israel’s unified stance.
Importance of Unity
Forum representatives like Ruby Chen emphasize the importance of wider social support for their cause, ensuring their message—including advocating for diverse political voices—reaches as broad an audience as possible.
“We decided to join at Begin to amplify our efforts, recognizing the shared anguish and goal—to see our loved ones return safely,” said Chen.
A Broader Storm
The protests represent a cross-section of Israeli society grappling with the horrors of hostage situations. Notably, a mixture of backgrounds—from political opponents to former Netanyahu supporters—have coalesced, demonstrating a potent critique of the government’s handling of ongoing hostage negotiations.
Rubinstein Evolution of Protests Sublasses
Families intricately navigated between the Forum’s routine peaceful protests at Hostages Square and more forthright protests targeting the Defense Ministry. Each venue brings profound, if sometimes discordant, expressions of a unified intention—standing against terrorism while holding the government accountable.
Caution Against Political Division
Despite heightened tensions, voices like Rabbi Elhanan Danino’s echo determined calls for national unity over divisiveness, emphasizing universal solidarity as Israeli families navigate an indescribable ordeal.
Rabbi Elhanan Danino cried for unity amidst societal divisions at a rally: “All Israelis are brothers. Let’s not allow anyone to divide us.”
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.