Live Update 
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, October 24, 2024
From the Liveblog of
Thursday, October 24, 2024
Urging hostage deal, protesters mark end of Simhat Torah near Netanyahu’s Jerusalem home
Demonstrators gather at the end of Simhat Torah to demand a deal to free the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza, near to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's home on Jerusalem's Gaza Street, October 24, 2024. The banner reads: 'Delaying the redemption of captives is akin to spilling blood.' (Hostages Families Forum.)
Protesters have gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s home on Jerusalem’s Azza Street, marking Simhat Torah with a call for him to secure the release of the hostages held by Hamas in Gaza.
“In order for us to once again rejoice in our Torah, we must uphold it – and its most sacred commandment of redeeming captives,” the Hostages Families Forum says in a statement.
Among those participating in the hakafot ceremonies are Rabbi Bezalel Cohen, Rabbi Avidan Freedman and members of the Kol Haneshama Reform community.
