Amid agonizing delay, friends and families of hostages stage rally in Tel Aviv

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

Israelis attend a rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage in Gaza, in Tel Aviv, November 25, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)
Israelis attend a rally calling for the release of Israelis held hostage in Gaza, in Tel Aviv, November 25, 2023. (Miriam Alster/Flash90)

Some 50,000 Israelis gather in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, behind the Defense Ministry, to mark “50 Days of Hell.”

“Returning hostages is the biggest mitzvah there is,” says singer Ehud Banai from the stage. “With Hanukkah coming, we’ll light many candles during this dark time. Our hearts are broken until we see all of them home.”

The crowd is full of people of all ages, including youth groups in the khaki and blue colors of Hashomer Hatzair, as well as people in black “Bring Them Home” T-shirts and dog tags with names of hostages.

Most Popular
If you’d like to comment, join
The Times of Israel Community.
Join The Times of Israel Community
Commenting is available for paying members of The Times of Israel Community only. Please join our Community to comment and enjoy other Community benefits.
Please use the following structure: example@domain.com
Confirm Mail
Thank you! Now check your email
You are now a member of The Times of Israel Community! We sent you an email with a login link to . Once you're set up, you can start enjoying Community benefits and commenting.