Nationwide Protest Demands Return of Hostages and End to War - High-tech companies join

 A national day of protest organized by the Families' Headquarters for the Return of the Kidnapped began this morning (Tuesday) with road blockages, nationwide demonstrations, and growing pressure on the Israeli government to secure the release of 50 hostages still held in Gaza and to bring the war to an end.

The campaign, titled "Israel Stands Up", is unfolding across the country, culminating in a central march and rally at Abductees' Square in Tel Aviv this evening.

Morning Protests Begin at US Embassy

The day began at 06:29 with activists displaying a massive flag outside the US Embassy in Tel Aviv, bearing photos of the hostages and the slogan: "50 abductees cannot wait – release them." Shortly after, demonstrators blocked traffic at the Peace Interchange, disrupting morning commutes and drawing attention to the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

Nationwide Actions Planned Throughout the Day

Protests, marches, and convoys are expected throughout the day, including:

• 07:00–19:00: Demonstrations at major intersections, convoy departures from the north and south, and decentralized protests nationwide.

• 19:00: March by families of the abductees in Tel Aviv.

• 20:00: Main rally at Abductees' Square, Tel Aviv.

Organizers shared maps and gathering points via social media under the hashtag #IsraelStandsUp.

High-Tech Industry Joins the Protest

In an unusual show of solidarity, dozens of leading Israeli high-tech companies and venture capital funds announced support for the protest, allowing employees to leave work early to attend demonstrations.

Participating companies include:
Meta, Wix, Monday.com, Fiverr, Playtika, Unity, Fireblocks, Natural Intelligence, Reason, Zig, Papaya Global, TitoCare, Porter, and more.

Venture capital firms joining the cause include:
Qumra Capital, Disruptive, NFX, Sky, Triventures, F2 Venture Capital, among others.

Emotional Speeches from the Families

At a morning statement held in Kidnapped Square, family members of hostages delivered emotional appeals and strongly criticized the Israeli government for failing to reach a deal.

Einav Tsengauker, mother of abductee Matan Tsengauker, said:

“This is the 690th day that our loved ones have been kidnapped in Gaza. We could have ended the war a year ago and returned them home, but the prime minister continues to sacrifice civilians for the sake of his rule. Netanyahu, why are you dragging your feet?”

She accused the government of undermining negotiations:

“Instead of establishing principles for ending the war, Netanyahu places obstacles for negotiators and mediators, defeating deals instead of enabling them.”

Itzik Horn, father of abductee Eitan Horn, warned of an internal threat:

“We are facing a danger we never imagined – a danger from within. The Israeli government has knowingly decided on a military operation that, according to all security assessments, could lead to the deaths of our abducted children and many soldiers.”

Horn condemned what he called a "deliberate torpedo" of a possible agreement and accused the government of abandoning citizens and destroying the moral fabric of the state.

“This loss of moral compass will be remembered by the world. We are collapsing the very foundation of mutual responsibility and the sanctity of life.”

Background

The ongoing war, now in its second year, began on October 7, 2023, following the Hamas-led attack that resulted in mass casualties and hostage-taking. Despite multiple rounds of negotiations and partial deals, 50 Israeli hostages remain in Gaza, according to Israeli officials and international mediators.

The protest movement has intensified in recent weeks as talks remain stalled, and public pressure on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government continues to grow.