Protesters mark 38 years since disappearance of Ron Arad, say Gaza hostages must not meet same fate

Protesters rally in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square to mark 38 years since the disappearance of Israeli Air Force navigator Ron Arad, urging the government not to allow the 101 hostages in Gaza to meet the same uncertain fate.

Arad bailed out of his plane during a mission over southern Lebanon on October 16, 1986. Despite extensive efforts by Israel, he was never located and his final fate remains unknown, although he is presumed dead.

At the front of the procession in front of the Kirya military headquarters, protesters hold a large banner with a picture of Arad’s face and the words: “They must not disappear like I did” written in Hebrew, along with a yellow ribbon that has become synonymous with the hostage protests over the last year.

Behind them march protesters holding additional posters of Arad which read “Don’t leave them behind as well,” while others display the images of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.