From the Liveblog of
Sunday, August 17, 2025
‘We cannot stop fighting’: Protest march enters Hostages Square as hundreds gather
Ariela Karmel is a political correspondent at The Times of Israel. She previously reported for Calcalist and Haaretz. She holds an MA in Middle Eastern and African History from Tel Aviv University and a BA in Political Science from the University of British Columbia.
A march of protesters has now entered Hostages Square, joining hundreds who are filling the plaza as the opening speeches of today’s strike get underway.
Among them are family members of the hostages, including Einav Zangauker, mother of Matan Zangauker.
“The hostages are all of our children!” she says. “We must save them now!”
The crowd erupts in chants of “You are not alone, we are with you,” echoing through the square as yellow signs and flags are raised.
“Netanyahu is a fascist and a coward,” says Danny Elgarat, brother of murdered hostage Itzik Elgarat, to loud applause.
Viki Cohen, mother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, adds, “The Israeli government isn’t listening to us.”
Ayelet Goldin, sister of Hadar Goldin — an IDF soldier killed in Gaza in 2014 whose body has been held by Hamas for 11 years — speaks with emotion. “I came here from the Golan and every intersection was filled with people,” she says.
Calling on Israelis to take to the streets, she adds, “The hostages are the heart of Israeli society. We must bring them back in order to return to ourselves and our values.”
Noga, the aunt of hostage Alon Ohel, says she sends him strength every day.
“As hard as this is for me, it is nothing compared to what he is experiencing,” she says. “We cannot stop fighting for them. Saving them means saving ourselves.”
The Times of Israel Community.