Families of Israeli hostages lit a bonfire in Tel Aviv, demanding immediate implementation of a deal with Hamas, as they prepare for a nationwide day of protest on Tuesday.
The anguish of families whose loved ones remain captive in Gaza echoed through Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday night, as thousands gathered to demand the immediate return of the hostages and to call the public into action.
At the rally, demonstrators lit a bonfire on Begin Road, symbolizing both burning outrage and undying hope. Protesters urged the government to implement the hostage deal with Hamas without further delay.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum announced that demonstrations will continue nationwide, culminating on Tuesday’s “National Day of Action” with solidarity rallies across Israel and a central march back to Tel Aviv.
The emotional evening was punctuated by personal pleas from family members:
- Roni Adar, sister of hostage Tamir Adar, who has been held for 687 days, broke down as she told the crowd: “Tamir was my hero when I was a child… I am tired of counting. In what world should a younger sister spend almost two years begging for the chance to stand at the grave of her brother? Tamir must come home… not only because he was a hero, but because he is a human being who loved life and this land. He deserves dignity.”
- Hagai Angrest, father of hostage Matan Angrest, also missing for 687 days, said: “By a miracle, Matan survived the massacre, and since then he has been condemned to survive, wounded in body and soul. If I could, I would dig with my bare fingers a tunnel all the way to Gaza to reach you. There is no wall, no border, no leadership that will make us give up on you. A father’s word.”
The evening was not without tension: police arrested a 67-year-old man from Ramat Gan after he allegedly assaulted a woman at the protest. She told police she had been attacked by two men after asking them to remove a sign they carried.
Despite the confrontation, the rally’s tone remained defiant and determined, with families and supporters vowing not to relent until every hostage is returned.
