In Tel Aviv, thousands call for return of hostages held by Hamas: ‘Bring them home – now’

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 those held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, outside the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, November 4, 2023. (Tomer Neubergr/Flash90)
Israelis attend a rally calling for the release of those held captive by Hamas terrorists in Gaza, outside the Defense Ministry in Tel Aviv, November 4, 2023. (Tomer Neubergr/Flash90)

Thousands gather at Tel Aviv Museum of Art, now known as Captives Square, in a show of support for the families of the 242 people held captive since the October 7 onslaught by Hamas.

“We understand the enormity of this hour,” Tel Aviv Mayor Ron Huldai says at the opening of the rally, as Israel is set to mark 30 days tomorrow since the murderous assault by Palestinian terrorists on Israeli communities, military posts and a music festival near the Gaza Strip.

He notes that November 4 is the date that prime minister Yitzhak Rabin was assassinated, saying the slain premier “knew how to make difficult decisions.” Huldai says Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must now do so and bring back all the captives.

Ramos Aloni, whose daughters Danielle and Sharon are being held captive with their small children and Sharon’s husband, says Israel should only accede to demands for humanitarian aid and a ceasefire “if it goes two ways.”

Aloni calls for the hostages to be given medical assistance, just as Israel is being asked to do in Gaza.

“If the prime minister is saying, ‘Together we will win,’ together means with the captives,” says Aloni. “No ceasefire without releasing all the captives.”

In between the speakers, the crowd bursts into chants of “Bring them home — now!”

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