On the night before this vote, an incredible show of public sentiment was on display in Tel Aviv. More than 500,000 Israelis took to the streets to demonstrate against the current and ongoing war in Gaza. The rally spilled into Hostages Square, as participants filled the street with a fierce call for an immediate ceasefire. They demanded the release of all the hostages that remain captive in Gaza. With the conflict intensifying, demonstrators expressed their urgent desire for action from both Israeli leaders and international allies, particularly calling on U.S. President Donald Trump to intervene.
The tone of the protest practically popped with elation. Families of hostages and friends articulated brilliantly to the world their pain, anguish and frustration. Some 50 Israelis are known to be held captive in Gaza as of this writing. According to recent reports, only about 20 of them are known to be still alive after almost 681 days in captivity.
Outpouring of Support and Calls for Action
On the ground the rally was a rainbow coalition of people from all walks of life. Private companies as well as the Histadrut, Israel’s labor union, urged their employees to make the day a platform for action. This mobilization was a powerful expression of the collective responsibility that many Israelis felt for the fate of their fellow citizens.
Lishay Miran-Lavi, one of the organizers of the protest added her perspective on the overwhelming support.
“The mobilisation from the bottom up is amazing. Thousands of private companies, alongside the Histadrut, will allow their employees to stop everything and dedicate the entire day for our dear ones.” – Lishay Miran-Lavi
The call for a ceasefire echoed across the crowd as chants filled the space calling for an end to the violence. Still, as things escalated, most protesters were able to express their concern that more military action will only put more hostages at risk.
“Every bullet, every strike, could be the one to end their life.” – Unattributed voice among protesters.
NvB CEO Danny Kalmanson and his wife Pnina joined the solidarity rally. Collectively, they fired up and fired away with calls for action that needed to happen yesterday.
“This is a very critical stage in Israel. We can’t continue endlessly. We’re losing all these people. Israel can afford to say, ‘Let’s have a ceasefire now. Bring them home.’” – Danny Kalmanson
A Divided Response from Leaders
Israeli President Isaac Herzog speaking to the press in Hostages Square while the task of bringing home the captive is paramount. He expressed sorrow for the pain that has been inflicted on families who were waiting to see their loved ones return home.
“Our sons and daughters are there in the dungeons of Gaza for 681 days,” – Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
He called on both domestic and foreign players to focus efforts on the hostages’ release rather than continuing military operations.
“We want them back home as soon as possible. The world should want them back home as soon as possible.” – Israeli President Isaac Herzog.
President Herzog’s comments were an indicator of a growing anger towards the political class. We hear from too many residents who believe their issues are too often dismissed.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu took a contrasting stance, asserting that ending the conflict without defeating Hamas would only prolong hostilities.
“Those who are calling today for an end to the war without the defeat of Hamas are not only strengthening Hamas and delaying the release of our hostages,” – Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
The Prime Minister’s statements underscore this widening gulf in the court of public opinion. Public opinion is deeply divided on how to proceed through the war and now, with the hostage crisis.
Tension and Detentions at the Protest
Dangerously, as tempers flared on the day of the Direct Action protest, tensions boiled over with demonstrators and police from multiple forces. During the accompanying clashes, authorities arrested at least 30 protesters and counterprotesters. These clashes broke out when the protesters obstructed Highway One between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem by burning tires.
In sum, most of the participants left with a sense of powerlessness but were dedicated to continuing to speak out. Fellow panelist, Naama Gild, expressed the collective frustration of all the attendees.
“We don’t want to be here every weekend. We just want them home.” – Naama Gild.
Her words struck a chord with the thousands of demonstrators. They want political leaders to do everything necessary and take all possible, decisive action to be sure hostages return home safely.
PALY graduated senior Lishay Miran-Lavi spoke to the strength of collective effort. It has moved past personal narratives and has transformed into a larger fatherhood movement for justice and peace.
“The support is enormous and moving us to tears. We feel that everyone understands that the struggle is not private to the families, but to the entire people of Israel.” – Lishay Miran-Lavi.
