Former captive slams timing of anti-government protest at Hostages Square rally

Agam Goldstein, a 17-year-old who was released from captivity in Gaza, criticizes the anti-government protests being timed to coincide with weekly rallies in Tel Aviv for the release of hostages being held by Hamas.

“I didn’t plan on saying this but on the way over, I saw the other rally,” says Goldstein, who was released in December along with 104 other hostages as part of a prisoner swap with Hamas. “It was sad to see that rally,” she says of the anti-government event. “Not because I’m against, but because I think this is not the time. The hostages are the first priority and something that unites all of us.”

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which organizes the weekly Hostages Square rally, has taken pains to remain apolitical, but has largely avoided criticizing the growing anti-government protests, which also highlight the hostages’ plight but have diverted attention from the hostage rally.

The fact that many who attend the Hostages Square rally also participate in the anti-government rallies that have been taking place nearby for several weeks has exposed the Forum to criticism that it is partisan, a charge it rejects.

Goldstein urges Israelis to “keep fighting” for the release of the 134 hostages presumed to be held by Hamas or other terrorists in Gaza. She addresses Hamas in Arabic, saying: “If you have a shred of humanity left in you, release the hostages.”

In Hebrew, she adds: “I was taught that Islam believes in adding good to the world and objects to wrongdoing. The Quran has verses that command men to treat women decently and it has verses about holding hostages.”