What it is:

Thirteen Israelis are continuing a hunger strike outside the Knesset, demanding immediate action to bring hostages back home alive or provide proper burial for the deceased.

Why it matters:

This strike underscores the urgency and desperation felt by many Israelis regarding unresolved hostage situations, hoping to pressure the government into swift and decisive action.

Details:

Commenced by the 83-year-old activist Orna Shimoni, the hunger strike has seen continuous participation since September 22. Rabbi Avidan Freedman, a key participant, highlights the shared goal: bring home those who are alive and secure proper burials for the deceased.

Participants, such as Freedman, feel that extreme measures are now necessary as previous efforts have failed. Freedman asserts that signing a deal is the most realistic method to achieve this objective without further delay.

The Human Element:

Freedman emphasizes that the strike’s main aim is to appeal to other Israelis and galvanize support, urging those who agree with the urgency of the situation to join or support the movement. His hope is to amplify pressure on the government to facilitate the hostages’ return at the earliest.

Bottom Line:

The persistent hunger strike highlights collective desperation and pushes for immediate governmental action fro the return and proper posthumous regards of hostages

This story was first published on jpost.com.