Hostage families and captivity survivors addressed huge crowds in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square yesterday, ahead of Monday’s expected release.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum estimated around 500,000 people attended the rally. Here are excerpts from some of the speeches that took place:
Captivity survivor Tal Shoham: “I was in captivity for 505 days. In Gaza, I met fellow hostages – Omer (Wenkert), Guy (Gilboa-Dalal), and Evyatar (David). Our souls were bound and our fates became one. We strengthened each other, shared everything.”
“After 505 days, Omer and I emerged into the light. When I hugged my loved ones, I was filled with joy and happiness, but inside I carried pain for Guy and Evyatar who stayed there, behind.”
“I rise up and continue to fight until they return. Until everyone is home, our story is not over.”
Yael Sabraigo, niece of hostage Lior Rudaeff: “Today, two years and four days after that Black Saturday – finally there is light.”
“But until the last hostage is here in the State of Israel, the mission will not be complete.”
“And I want to say thank you President (Donald) Trump. Thank you for not giving up. Thank you for listening to our voices. Thank you for bringing our loved ones home. But please, don’t stop now. Don’t rest until the very last hostage is back – until everyone comes home.”
Itzik Horn, father of hostage Eitan Horn and captivity survivor Iair Horn: “President Trump has proven what it means when you decide and take action. Without lying. Without fear. May we also be blessed with leadership, with courage.
“Israeli citizens are returning to their country after being abandoned – some for burial and some to begin a long and difficult recovery. And most importantly, it will not end until the last hostage returns home.”
Adi Angrest, sister of hostage Matan Angrest: “My hero brother is coming home! Matan, my big brother, my hero, the hero of an entire nation. All that’s left for me is to wait to hug you, to feel and heal you, to tell you that you are in safe hands and that I will never leave you again. Huge, historic, eternal thanks to the President of the United States and his team who worked with dedication and perseverance to save the lives of our loved ones.”