Jerusalem, April 7, 2025 – Eighteen months after the devastating October 7, 2023 massacre, dozens of hostage families and their supporters gathered outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem on Monday, pressing for an urgent deal to free the 59 captives still held in Gaza. Clutching photos of their loved ones, the protesters marked a grim milestone in the ongoing war, their voices echoing with grief, frustration, and a desperate call for action.
Erez Adar, whose uncle Tamir Adar was killed in the initial attack, stood among the crowd, imploring Netanyahu to secure the release of all hostages in a single agreement. “It’s the most important subject of the day,” he said. “We need to return everyone—the living for rehabilitation and the dead for burial—so we can have a better future here.” The emotional plea underscored the toll of the prolonged conflict on Israeli families, many of whom have endured uncertainty for a year and a half.
Varda Ben Baruch, grandmother of hostage Edan Alexander, invoked the Passover holiday’s message of liberation. “The Haggadah says every generation must see themselves as if they’ve come out of Egypt. Now is your moment of truth,” she said, addressing Netanyahu directly. “You’re in the U.S. with President Trump—sit down, finish a deal, and bring everyone home. We’re counting on this.” Netanyahu’s current visit to the United States has heightened expectations for diplomatic progress.
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Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat was murdered in captivity, issued a stark warning about the remaining hostages’ fate. “They’re in danger every day we delay,” he said. Turning to the U.S. leader, he added, “President Trump—please. It’s been a year and a half. Enough of this nightmare.” Similar protests erupted outside the homes of other cabinet ministers, amplifying the families’ demands.
The demonstrations come as the war drags on, with no resolution in sight. On X, one user wrote, “18 months of agony—hostage families at Netanyahu’s door begging for a deal. Heartbreaking.” Another posted, “59 still captive. Time’s running out—Trump and Bibi need to act now.” As Passover nears, the rallying cry grows louder: end the ordeal and bring the hostages home.
Key Points:
- 18-Month Milestone: On April 7, 2025, marking a year and a half since the October 7, 2023 massacre, hostage families and supporters protested outside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Jerusalem residence.
- Hostage Crisis: The rally focused on the 59 individuals still held captive in Gaza, with protesters displaying their photos and demanding a comprehensive release deal.
- Erez Adar’s Plea: Erez Adar, whose uncle was killed in the initial attack, urged Netanyahu to prioritize a deal to free all hostages—living and dead—for rehabilitation and burial, calling it the day’s most critical issue.
- Passover Reference: Varda Ben Baruch, grandmother of hostage Edan Alexander, tied the protest to Passover’s liberation theme, pressing Netanyahu to finalize a deal during his U.S. visit with President Trump.
- Urgent Warning: Gil Dickmann, whose cousin Carmel Gat was killed in captivity, warned that the remaining hostages’ lives are at risk without immediate action, pleading with Trump to intervene after 18 months of suffering.
- Wider Protests: Similar demonstrations took place at the homes of other Israeli cabinet ministers, reflecting growing public pressure for resolution.
- Social Media Echoes: X posts highlighted the families’ anguish and urgency, with calls for Netanyahu and Trump to act swiftly as the war’s toll mounts.
