Tel Aviv: Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv on Saturday to commemorate the 20th birthday of Naama Levy, who has been held hostage in Gaza since October 7. The rally also called for an immediate ceasefire in the conflict with Hamas.
Participants released balloons and chanted to the rhythm of drums, sharing bite-sized cupcakes adorned with birthday candles as they demanded the release of all hostages taken by Hamas following a deadly raid on Israel eight months ago.
“She needs to be here with her family, with her friends,” said Yoni Levy, 52, Naama’s father, wearing a shirt emblazoned with his daughter’s image.
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Naama’s elder brother Amit, speaking to the international news agency Reuters on Thursday, fondly recalled memories of his sister. He pointed to a magazine picture showing her smiling face under the headline “Bring Her Home,” expressing anticipation for the day she returns. “I really can’t wait to see this smile when she comes back soon,” he said.
A video of Naama posted by Hamas militants on October 7 showed her with hands tied behind her back, dressed in tattered pajamas and visibly injured, quickly becoming viral on social media.
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Naama had just started her duties in the Israeli Defense Force when she was seized, alongside four other female army conscripts, during the raid that triggered Israel’s subsequent military operations in Gaza.
Hamas’s initial raid resulted in approximately 1,200 casualties and the abduction of over 250 hostages. In response, Israel’s military actions have caused extensive damage in Gaza and claimed the lives of more than 37,400 people, including 101 in the past 24 hours, according to Palestinian health authorities.
