The demonstrators arranged burning tires to spell out “Sorry we were taken hostage,” demanding the immediate release of those abducted in the October 7, 2023 attacks.
Yom Kippur, a day of atonement and repentance in Jewish tradition, became a stage for protests and mourning as activists, joined by families of the hostages, called on the government to act decisively in freeing the captives.
Their message was stark: the government had failed them, and no forgiveness could be given for that negligence.
The protests, organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, unfolded throughout the day. In Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, hundreds gathered in prayer, reflecting on the tragedy. Meanwhile, many demonstrators blamed Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government for prioritizing political power over rescuing the hostages.
Among the protesters was Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan remains in Gaza following the October 2023 attacks. In a press conference, she lit a torch outside the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) headquarters, apologizing to her son for not securing his release. “A year has passed, and we still haven’t succeeded in forcing the government to make a [hostage] deal,” she said, her voice a mix of anger and sorrow.
Others echoed her frustration. Danny Elgarat, whose brother Itzik is also held captive, accused Netanyahu of deliberately delaying a hostage deal for political reasons, stating, “He wants to protect his reign and is willing to sacrifice you all for his personal interests.”
Yifat Kalderon, whose cousin Ofer is a hostage, directly confronted the government, saying, “You say you’ve atoned for your sins, but you cannot atone for deliberate neglect. You know military pressure endangers them. There will be no forgiveness.”
Many protesters criticized the ongoing military operations against Hamas for complicating efforts to secure the hostages’ release. While the government claims to have weakened Hamas, it has failed to finalize a deal for the captives’ return.
The military campaign in Gaza, in its ninth day, has intensified, with at least 200 Palestinians killed and a worsening humanitarian situation. In southern Lebanon, Israel’s bombings of civilian areas, including Nabatieh’s commercial market and a historic mosque, have caused further destruction. Israeli forces are battling Hezbollah on multiple fronts, as airlifts carry wounded soldiers to hospitals.
The toll of Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 2023 stands at 42,175 killed and 98,336 injured. The attacks on Israel on October 7 resulted in 1,139 deaths and over 200 hostages taken. Of the 251 hostages, 97 remain in captivity, including 34 whose deaths have been confirmed.
Despite some hostages being released during a weeklong truce in November, families are still unsatisfied with the progress. New negotiations have stalled as Israel’s focus shifts to military conflicts with Hezbollah in Lebanon.
The Tel Aviv protests were mirrored by demonstrations in Caesarea, outside Netanyahu’s private residence, where protesters lit fires spelling out, “The neglecter is finished,” accusing him of intentionally abandoning the hostages’ cause.
As Israel continues its military campaigns and negotiations remain stagnant, the families of the hostages fear time is running out. On this Yom Kippur, their message was resolute: without decisive government action, there can be no forgiveness for the lives left behind.