In the early hours of Monday, thousands of Israelis converged upon Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, a poignant gathering place that has become a powerful symbol for rallies advocating the release of captives held by Hamas in Gaza. For two years of ongoing conflict, this plaza has been a steadfast haven for their families and supporters.
Long before sunrise, the serene, tree-lined concrete plaza began to buzz with a palpable sense of anticipation. People gathered, clutching Israeli flags and poignant posters displaying the names and faces of their loved ones, all united in the anxious wait for the 20 remaining hostages to be freed as part of the initial phase of a vital cease-fire agreement, in exchange for almost 2,000 Palestinian prisoners.
This expansive 200-by-300-foot plaza, nestled in front of the iconic Tel Aviv Museum of Art, transformed into the primary stage for public expression and solidarity. Its significance grew after an earlier sit-in protest, held just a block away outside Israel’s military headquarters following the devastating Hamas-led attack on October 7, 2023, became too large to contain and required relocation.
Over time, Hostages Square has become an open-air gallery, featuring powerful art installations reflecting the dire predicament of the captives. One striking display includes a lengthy rectangular table, set for 234, encircled by empty chairs—each representing a missing individual. Following the return of some hostages, portions of this installation were symbolically updated with moldy bread and dirty water bottles, vividly portraying the harsh realities they endured in captivity.
Beyond its role as a protest site, the square has also hosted moments of quiet remembrance and defiant joy, including spontaneous dance lessons, calming yoga sessions, and heartfelt singalongs, all held in honor of the captives. It has also served as a place to commemorate the milestones and birthdays tragically missed by those held captive.
For the families of the abducted, this plaza has evolved into a surrogate home—a sanctuary where they could find solace and understanding among others sharing similar unimaginable pain. Many pitched tents, creating a continuous community, and countless Israelis and international visitors consistently arrived to offer their heartfelt support and stand in solidarity.
During a previous cease-fire in February, the families and their devoted supporters would gather weekly in the plaza, watching live broadcasts with bated breath as the captives were released.
And just this past Saturday night, the square erupted in a wave of collective relief and jubilation as hundreds of thousands celebrated the announcement of a new cease-fire deal, hopeful that it signaled a potential end to the prolonged conflict.