What it is about
Family members of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza set up a Rosh Hashanah dinner table in Caesarea, near Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence. The protest aimed to shed light on the pain and absence of their loved ones as they marked the Jewish New Year.
Why it matters
The situation underscores the human toll of the hostage crisis and puts pressure on the Israeli government to do more to secure the release of those held captive. It illustrates the determination of Israeli families to bring their loved ones home and the urgency of the situation.
Details
As Israelis celebrated the Jewish New Year, relatives of those kidnapped on October 7 last year gathered around a long table with a white cloth, marking each of the 251 individuals held hostage. The table was set in a mock cemetery, highlighting their anguish. Imitation graves symbolized those killed in captivity, including Avrahaum Munder.
A poignant sign invited protesters into the so-called “Mr. Abandonment Benjamin Netanyahu Cemetery.” Yifat Calderon, cousin of hostage Ofer Calderon, lowered the Israeli flag to half-mast, symbolically drawing attention to the nation’s battle with their citizens still held captive.
Key Players
Einav Zangauker, an ardent activist for hostage release, spoke emotionally about her transformation over the past year. Her son Matan and his partner, who was released in November, were taken during the October 7 attacks. Others, including Yifat Calderon and Meirav Leshem Gonen, shared similar stories of hope and determination, emphasizing their unity in bringing their loved ones back home.
The Big Picture
Only about 97 of the 251 hostages remain in Gaza. Hamas had released 105 civilians during a truce last year, and several hostages had been rescued or released before. Yet, Israel faces the stark reality that many are still in captivity, including civilians who entered Gaza voluntarily years ago and two IDF soldiers’ remains.
Public and Private Protests
Alongside the protest in Caesarea, families who opted for quieter acts of resistance gathered at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, including Yocheved Lifshitz, a former Hamas captive. The differences in modes of protest display the widespread and deeply felt impacts of this issue across Israel.
Looking Ahead
As the families sought to raise awareness and pressure the government for action, their displays of hope, evident in fiery symbolic gestures, and emotional outpourings encapsulated their yearnings. They have a unified call: to hug their loved ones once more and bring them home by the next Rosh Hashanah.
This story was first published on timesofisrael.com.