Hostages Square filling up in support of families marking nationwide day of protest

A crowd is steadily filling Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, as part of a National Day of Struggle called by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum.

Following last week’s general strike, this day is framed as one of “civilian action,” and while the crowd is smaller, people are still coming to support families and attend events being held throughout the day.

At the center of the square stands a haunting exhibit: a long table lined with yellow chairs, each marked by the face of a hostage. Plates are set out but empty. A few scraps of pita, cans of beans, and sand are scattered across the black tablecloth — evoking the starvation and inhumane conditions in captivity.

Strollers sit opposite, symbolizing the mothers who will not give up on their children. Organizers say the strollers will be switched out throughout the day, with a group of Holocaust survivors taking their place, followed by other groups wishing to show solidarity.

Among those present are Kobi and Idit Ohel, whose son Alon was kidnapped from the Nova music festival on October 7 and has been held in Gaza since. He is badly wounded in one eye.

“Alon has to be returned home,” Kobi tells The Times of Israel. “He’s suffering, wounded, [has spent] almost two years under the worst conditions. It’s a miracle that he’s surviving.”

“He’s strong, he believes in this country, and he knows that Israel will save him,” he continues. “They have to be saved now. There’s an agreement on the table. This is the time.”