As the 526th day of captivity for 59 hostages held in Gaza continues, mass demonstrations took place across Israel on Saturday night, calling for the immediate release of those still held. In Kidnappers Square, where thousands gathered, a video featuring Omar Shem Tov, a survivor of captivity, was shown to the crowd. Shem Tov described the horrific conditions he endured while imprisoned and recounted the moments when Hamas terrorists drew weapons in anticipation of an Israeli rescue mission. Shem Tov’s emotional testimony highlighted the dire situation, noting that the hostages are subjected to unimaginable suffer
As protests were held in various locations, one of the most significant gatherings occurred on Begin Street in Tel Aviv, where the number of demonstrators appeared higher than in previous weeks. The protesters held up signs, including one reading, "Everyone deserves freedom, regardless of religion, race, gender - and citizenship," referencing U.S. efforts to secure the release of American hostages.
"I was alone for 450 days, and it was a terrible feeling," Shem Tov shared during the video shown at the rally. "There are so many people there right now who are alone. Every day is like an eternity. I can’t imagine what they are going through now because I know the feeling—it's soul-crushing." He urged the government to act decisively: "You can't drag this on any longer. It has to stop. Bring them all home, all at once."
Shem Tov also urged the Israeli military to continue its efforts, acknowledging the incredible work of the IDF but emphasizing that the priority must be the hostages. "When I heard the soldiers and the tanks above me, the terrorists stood ready with weapons drawn," he recounted. "I sat there praying, hoping for the best, knowing there was nothing I could do."
Political Tensions Erupt at Protests
Meanwhile, a separate rally on Begin Street saw emotionally charged speeches in Tel Aviv. Danny Elgert, whose brother Itzik was murdered while in captivity, addressed the crowd with fiery words aimed at Prime Minister Netanyahu. “You are abandoning the kidnapped for the sake of power,” Elgert shouted, denouncing Netanyahu’s handling of the situation. “You are the evil Haman, not a leader. You are responsible for this catastrophe, and you will be held accountable.”
Einav Tsengauker also spoke, sharing her deep sorrow and hope for the return of her son, Matan, who remains captive. “I dream of the day Matan is standing here with me,” Tsengauker said. "But Netanyahu is standing in our way. For 1.5 years, he has buried the hostages under his political rubble. We do not deserve this."
Families of Hostages Continue to Demand Action
Earlier in the evening, the families of the hostages held a statement in front of the Begin Gate in Kirya, further intensifying their calls for swift action. Itzik Horn, father of hostage Yair and brother of Eitan, who remains in Gaza, spoke about his ongoing trauma. "This is the 526th day that my son is in captivity, and Netanyahu continues to abandon us," Horn said, delivering a powerful message to the Prime Minister. "You are abandoning Jews who are going through their own Holocaust."
In response to the government’s slow response to negotiations for hostage release, Einav Tsengauker warned, "War will not bring them back. It will only kill them. The choice is clear: implement the agreement, bring them all back, and end this war."
Wider Protests Against Government Actions
The protests also spread to Habima Square in Tel Aviv, where demonstrators voiced opposition to recent moves by the government, including plans to dismiss Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara and ongoing tensions with Shin Bet head Ronen Bar. These protests reflect the deepening dissatisfaction with the government’s handling of the hostage crisis and broader political issues.
The demonstrations last night underscored the urgency felt by hostages' families and supporters across Israel, demanding that the government take immediate and decisive action to bring all the hostages home from Gaza. The rallying cry is clear: it’s time to end the suffering and bring the hostages home in one swift action.
Comments