Hostage families gather to hopefully mark final Shabbat without their loved ones

Families of hostages held in Gaza gather in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square for a Shabbat dinner, which they say they hope will be the last one without their loved ones ahead of their expected release early next week.

“Dear people of Israel – we need you now more than ever,” says Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan Zangauker. “Our struggle is not over until all 48 hostages are returned home.”

“We’re in a storm of emotions,” she adds. “We’re anxious and know nothing beyond what you also know. We’re here to share, to be with you. Shabbat Shalom, we love you.”

Arbel Yehud, who was freed from captivity during the ceasefire earlier this year, spoke about the strength she drew during her time in Gaza while waiting for her partner, Ariel Cunio, who remains in captivity: “More than two years have passed since we were cruelly torn apart. The hope of meeting again, the thought of our embrace at the end of this horror film, is what kept me going. My love, we did it – just a little longer and you’ll be home.”