Thousands take part in alternative torch-lighting ceremony in Tel Aviv

Thousands of people took part in an alternative “liberal, democratic” torchlighting ceremony tonight in Tel Aviv, in an event led by opponents of the current government.

Torch-lighters at the ceremony, held at the former Hostages Square outside the Tel Aviv Museum, included leaders of the Brothers and Sisters is Arms and Mothers at the Front protest groups, former Likud minister and IDF chief Moshe Ya’alon and others.

כיכר החטופים – טקס הדלקת משואות ישראלי ליברלי דמוקרטי pic.twitter.com/B9P957goNK

— לירי בורק שביט (@lirishavit) April 21, 2026

Yifat Calderon, the cousin of former hostage Ofer Calderon, also lit a torch.

“The October 7 massacre is the greatest disaster in the history of our beloved country,” said Calderon. “The families of the victims, the survivors, and in fact all of us, must receive answers. Any attempts at a cover-up or silencing by those responsible for the failure of October 7 will not be accepted… In order to prevent the next disaster, we will continue to demand the establishment of a state commission of inquiry, which alone will be able to uncover the truth.”