Families of Gaza Captives Hold Passover Meal at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square

Karina Ariev, who was released in January in the latest ceasefire-hostage deal, urged Israelis celebrating the Seder to “leave an empty chair for the hostages, and do not forget them.”

By i24 News and Algemeiner

Families of Gaza hostages and their supporters held a public Passover Seder at Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square on Saturday night, amid reports of stalemate and foot dragging in the negotiations on the release of the remaining 59 hostages, over 20 of whom are believed to be alive.

Ahead of the Tel Aviv event, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged Israelis to turn out to Hostages Square outside the Tel Aviv Museum.

“Bring your holiday meal with you, bring a mat or chair, come with the kids, come with friends — let’s be together,” the statement read.

“How can we sit at the Seder table and tell the story of our journey from slavery to freedom while 59 of our brothers and sisters are still held captive by Hamas?” the Forum asked.

Karina Ariev, an IDF spotter who was released in January as part of the first phase of a ceasefire-hostage deal, urged Israelis celebrating the Seder to “leave an empty chair for the hostages, and do not forget them.”

“Although I am here, my heart is still there. There are still 59 hostages waiting for their freedom holiday, waiting to be brought home,” she added.

“I think about them, and I think about us because until they return, none of us can truly be free.”

Send Passover Packages to Needy Israeli Soldiers - Bring Them Joy!

We are honored to thank the young men and women of the IDF who risk their lives every day to protect the citizens of Israel. Soldiers have been in Gaza, Lebanon and Syria for extended periods - many are hoping to come home for Passover.

Join us in sending Passover food packages (and personal notes) to Israeli soldiers and their families.

Many soldiers spend the Passover holiday with needy families back home. The soldiers greatly appreciate your love and concern. Bring them Passover joy!

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