Families of Israeli hostages being held captive in Gaza are spearheading calls for a nationwide general strike next Sunday. This move acts to directly counter the most recent decision of the Israeli security cabinet. They have chosen to widen the military incursion and seize control of Gaza City. Families are terrified that this escalation would risk the lives of the 50 hostages who remain in captivity. They think 20 of those hostages are probably still alive.
The families believe that this expanded military mission could put the currently alive hostages at greater risk and even cause them to be killed. In doing so, they have focused their energy to bring media attention to their suffering and of such that have influenced Canadian federal policy makers on what to do. In Tel Aviv, relatives of the hostages declared, “We are shutting down the country to save the soldiers and the hostages.”
The Histadrut, Israel’s largest workers’ union, has so far refused to support the strike. Last year, it called for a general strike in solidarity with the families of hostages. This sent speculation soaring that it would re-unite on the national stage. On Monday, the families’ delegation will be received by Histadrut Chairman Arnon Bar-David. Their goal is to move him from being against them to supporting them.
Anat Angrest, mother of Matan, one of those being held hostage, urged legislators not to wait for the enemy to strike. She reached out to leaders in the economic and labor communities. She said, “I know your hearts are with us and in pain – that’s not enough. Silence kills. That is why I am here today to ask for something I have avoided until now – to ask the heads of industry: you have the power.”
Opposition leader Yair Lapid has voiced his support for the initiative, asserting that “the call by the families of the hostages for a general strike is justified and appropriate.” He called on people of all races and ethnicities to march in solidarity with the families and stand up against the government’s brutal repression.
Even with efforts like this increasing internationally, the Israeli government has denounced the families’ work as political posturing. In addition, officials have pursued legal action via a labor court injunction to block the strike from occurring.
Families don’t have time to wait, and businesses and residents have been ready to react from the start. This rapid response demonstrates how prioritized their needs are. Following a previous strike call, “hundreds” of companies pledged participation, along with “thousands of citizens who have declared they will take the day off.”
With the situation still escalating in the region, public opinion about the hostages is likely to be a key factor. Activists, including Yair Golan, have called upon all Israelis “to strike with us, to take to the streets, to resist and disrupt,” emphasizing that collective action is essential.
