As thousands of Israeli businesses shut down in solidarity with hostage families, the Haifa Bar Association went ahead with a planned family event—despite national leadership canceling participation to join the protests.
On Sunday, Israel witnessed a rare show of unity as thousands of businesses closed their doors in solidarity with the families of hostages still held in Gaza. But the Haifa District Bar Association drew criticism for hosting a “day of fun” for lawyers and their families on the very same day.
The move came in stark contrast to the national Bar Association, led by Chairman Amit Bechar, which formally joined the nationwide protest. Bechar not only canceled his own participation in the Haifa event but also urged Israel’s top law firms to allow employees to join demonstrations without losing pay.
The Haifa district defended its decision, stressing that the family day was long-planned and would include “ethical and educational elements” alongside the recreational activities. Organizers pledged that the event would dedicate moments of solidarity to the hostages’ families, while offering children art workshops, storytelling, and games centered on mutual responsibility, compassion, and the call to bring the hostages home.
Participants were also offered full refunds if they chose to cancel their attendance in light of the national protest.
The national Bar underscored its firm position: “Chairman Bechar has supported the hostages’ families from the first day and continues to lead a principled and determined stance. Sunday will be dedicated entirely to the protest.”
The controversy highlights the tension between maintaining pre-scheduled events and respecting the gravity of the hostage crisis, with the Haifa Bar attempting a hybrid approach—celebration and solidarity in one.
