Still life

Images of Israelis fighting for hostages displayed at Habima Square

‘Incomplete’ exhibit highlights 23 photographs representing efforts to free hostages, support families and cope with the absence of those held in Gaza

Jessica Steinberg, The Times of Israel's culture and lifestyles editor, covers the Sabra scene from south to north and back to the center

  • From 'Incomplete,' an outdoor exhibit at Tel Aviv's Habima Square through June 29, 2024, with photographs of Israeli protests for the hostages (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)
    From 'Incomplete,' an outdoor exhibit at Tel Aviv's Habima Square through June 29, 2024, with photographs of Israeli protests for the hostages (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)
  • From 'Incomplete,' an outdoor exhibit at Tel Aviv's Habima Square through June 29, 2024, with photographs of Israeli protests for the hostages (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)
    From 'Incomplete,' an outdoor exhibit at Tel Aviv's Habima Square through June 29, 2024, with photographs of Israeli protests for the hostages (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)
  • From 'Incomplete,' an outdoor exhibit at Tel Aviv's Habima Square through June 29, 2024, with photographs of Israeli protests for the hostages (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)
    From 'Incomplete,' an outdoor exhibit at Tel Aviv's Habima Square through June 29, 2024, with photographs of Israeli protests for the hostages (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)
  • From 'Incomplete,' an outdoor exhibit at Tel Aviv's Habima Square through June 29, 2024, with photographs of Israeli protests for the hostages (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)
    From 'Incomplete,' an outdoor exhibit at Tel Aviv's Habima Square through June 29, 2024, with photographs of Israeli protests for the hostages (Jessica Steinberg/Times of Israel)

Habima Square in central Tel Aviv has hosted some of Israel’s largest protests over the years, but the space is rarely utilized by families and others who gather frequently to demonstrate for the release of the remaining 121 hostages held in Gaza and against the government.

A new exhibit, though, will bring a taste of those heart-wrenching rallies to Habima, displaying a series of nearly two dozen enlarged photographs of protests, activities, events and people as they mourn, cry and call for the release of the hostages.

The 23 photos ringing the square for “Incomplete” were culled by organizers from hundreds sent in by photographers in response to a call for photos of anything related to the hostage crisis.

The pictures they chose represent Israeli society’s ongoing efforts to free the hostages and support their families and are meant to show how those being held captive in Gaza are missed by their circles of family, friends and communities, organizers said.

Sponsored by Bank Hapoalim, travelogue company Yoman Masa and the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, “Incomplete” is open to the public at all times of day, through June 29.

The exhibit is situated next to Gan Yaakov or Jacob’s Garden, a small, shaded urban park behind the Eyal Ofer Pavilion and the Habima Square complex.

The space was designed by architect Yaakov Rechter with landscape designer Abraham Karavan and named for Yaakov Sourasky, the son of banker Elias Sourasky of Mexico, who donated the funds for its construction.

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