‘We know what fear is’: Holocaust survivors gather at Hostages Square in show of solidarity

Holocaust survivors gather at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, seated at a long table in the center of the plaza and facing rows of empty chairs draped with posters of the hostages, as part of a day of protest organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum demanding a deal to bring the captives home and condemning the government’s decision to widen the war in Gaza.

The table is set with empty plates, a few scraps of pita, cans of beans, and sand scattered across the black tablecloth, symbolizing the starvation and inhumane conditions in captivity.

“We know what a Holocaust is, what hunger is, and what fear is,” says Holocaust survivor and former Israeli lawmaker Colette Avital. “We came to this country with values of solidarity. We learned that we don’t leave people behind. We don’t see that this government is doing what it needs to do to bring back [the hostages].”

“Fifty years from now, you’ll ask yourselves where you were,” she says, urging Israelis to act. “Everyone needs to [go out] and fight. We all need to end this nightmare and bring everyone home.”

Shulamit Rudnik, another survivor, appeals directly to the prime minister: “Enough, Bibi. Stop. Give us our children, our grandchildren. Calm the mothers and grandparents.”

The survivors, seated at the table, are joined by family members of the hostages, including Moti Angrest, the grandfather of hostage Matan Angrest, holding a poster of his grandson, who is believed to be alive. Also in attendance is Zamir Haimi, the uncle of Tal Haimi, who was murdered during the Hamas-led October 7 onslaught on Kibbutz Nir Oz. His body is still being held in Gaza by terrorists.