On Thursday, almost half a million descended on Tel Aviv alone. They made their intent very clear, with their powerful anti-war messaging directly opposing the continuing destruction in Gaza. The demonstrations were planned by organizations advocating for the families of captives and grieving families. They called on the Israeli government to take immediate action on the hostages taken by Hamas. This national day of action saw schools, businesses, and public transport shut down, emphasizing the collective urgency felt across the nation.
The protests came alongside new calls for direct action from frustrated Israelis over the fate of about 50 hostages thought to be in Hamas hands. Demonstrators blocked major roads, including the vital highway linking Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, showcasing their resolve to ensure the hostages are not forgotten amidst military operations. High-profile participants, such as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s opposition leader Yair Lapid, lent a great deal of credibility and seriousness to the protests.
Government Officials Respond
Despite abundant evidence of police misconduct as the protests grew in intensity, government leaders took to the airwaves to decry the behavior of protesters. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich condemned the protests as “a perverse and harmful campaign that plays into the hands of Hamas.” He reiterated that blockages and public disruptions weren’t going to help the work to free the hostages.
Meanwhile, Israeli Culture Minister Miki Zohar criticized demonstrators for blocking roads, labeling it “a serious mistake and a reward to the enemy.” His comments represent the government’s anger at protest tactics that they are worried will jeopardize attempts to safeguard national security.
Despite criticism from officials, President Isaac Herzog voiced support for the return of captives, urging international pressure on Hamas while cautioning against calls to halt military operations. Defense Minister Yoav Gallant echoed this sentiment, declaring, “We have a supreme duty to bring everyone home.” He further stated that there is only one way to accomplish this mission: “first to return the hostages and then continue to eliminate Hamas down to the last one of them.”
The Voices of Protesters
Among the numerous voices raised during the protest, former captive Arbel Yehoud articulated a poignant message, saying, “Military pressure doesn’t bring hostages back – it only kills them.” This statement resonated with many attendees who believe that a change in strategy is necessary for the safe return of hostages.
Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot expressed her solidarity with heroes and humanitarian heroes on the frontlines of the hostage crisis. She went to “Hostage Square” and spoke with the families of captives. Her presence reminded all of us about the emotional cost incurred by families still awaiting word from their loved ones. At the demonstration, an aunt of Israeli-German hostage Alon Ohel appealed to save him, noting he is on a “deathbed.”
The organizing group for the protests, known as the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, issued a powerful message: “We will shut down the country today with one clear call: Bring back the 50 hostages, end the war.” They specifically made clear that hostages are not future pawns on a military chess board, but as American citizens, they are entitled to government action.
Solidarity Strikes Across Israel
Those nationwide protests fired the imagination of thousands of other businesses and municipalities, who joined in solidarity strikes. Following the uncharacteristic national action, hundreds of stores closed their doors. Public transport operations ceased too, emphasizing the desperation necessary to rescue hostages. The enormous, cross-cutting participation was a sign of a new collective determination among Israelis to fight for a new productive path.
As night descended across the country, these demonstrators—in Tel Aviv and elsewhere—took to the streets. With colorful signs and passionate chants, they called for an end to violence and the return of hostages. Interestingly, Yair Lapid was a key player in these protests, announcing, “We are shutting down the country today. Our hostages are not bargaining chips for the U.S. government to throw in the war. They are Americans, and it is the duty of our government to reunite them with their loved ones.” His statement became a guiding principle of sorts for many of those in attendance.
Former diplomat Alon Pinkas criticized Netanyahu’s response to the unrest, stating, “Most prime ministers would have resigned after October 7th … He is not just another prime minister. He cares only about his survival.” Pinkas’s comments pointed to a wider sense of discontent towards leadership as public anger continued to heat up.
