1000’s collect in Tel Aviv to rejoice Naama Levy’s twentieth birthday throughout her captivity in Gaza

CNN
—

1000’s of individuals gathered in Tel Aviv’s Hostage Sq. on Saturday to commemorate the twentieth birthday of Naama Levy, who was held captive for 260 days.

This was one of many first and most dramatic viral movies to emerge across the October 7 assault. A mobile phone video launched by Hamas reveals Levy, who was 19 on the time, being dragged by her hair at gunpoint by a terrorist in Gaza. Her arms are tied, and her ankles are minimize. Her pants are moist with blood.

Eight months later, Levy is considered one of 120 individuals nonetheless detained in Gaza, 116 of whom had been amongst greater than 250 hostages taken on October 7. A hostage settlement and ceasefire reached in November led to the discharge of greater than 100 hostages, whereas a hostage settlement and ceasefire was reached in November. A handful had been saved. However issues about those that stay are rising, as a senior Hamas official lately instructed CNN “No one has any idea” What number of of them are nonetheless alive?

Their plight is the topic of standard anti-government protests in Israel, with many protesters calling on Israeli leaders to safe a hostage deal and maintain early elections.

On the hostage scene on Saturday, Levy’s mother and father, Ayelet Levy Shashar and Yoni Levy, addressed the group.

“As we speak, I didn’t need to give a speech within the sq.. I simply needed to want Nimah a contented birthday, and to speak to you Niamh, hoping you’ll hear, and hoping that these phrases attain you,” Levy’s mom mentioned throughout her speech.

Her mom added: “I want you the only proper you deserve as a human being, which is your freedom, which was taken from you eight and a half months in the past.”

Levi’s father, Yoni, mentioned he hoped his daughter would see how many individuals got here to rejoice her birthday.

“I keep in mind your snort and I can hear your voice, and I think about precisely what you’ll do as we speak. We had ready a desk for you stuffed with sweets, balloons and items. Like yearly,” Yoni mentioned throughout his speech on the gathering.

“What a contented day this might have been. As an alternative, you’re there. In the dead of night. For 260 days already. We’re standing right here,” Uni added.

He added: “All of us understand that 120 hostages can’t be returned via army operations. We should say frankly – 120 hostages is not going to return to their homeland besides via a deal.”

Yoni additionally instantly addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying: “Victory in struggle is not only victory in army battles. It isn’t only a matter of preserving the alliance in any respect prices. Victory in struggle is the flexibility to protect the values ​​of this nation for years to come back. Victory is the flexibility to stay devoted to our values ​​as Jews and Israelis.”

The gathering in Hostage Sq. was simply considered one of a number of that occurred in cities throughout Israel on Saturday

Households of hostages held in Gaza additionally participated in protests in Jerusalem, Herzliya, Caesarea, Raanana, Beersheba, Kiryat Gat and the city of Pardes Hanna-Karkur.

Many waved Israeli flags and held banners with photos of Israeli hostages.

“Alive! Alive! Not in physique baggage!”, “Hostage deal now! Convey them again alive now!” “Kids, troopers, girls, males,” Tel Aviv protesters chanted.

Different demonstrators had been heard chanting “elections now.”

“There’s nothing extra essential, each hostage should return!” The demonstrators in Jerusalem chanted.

In Caesarea, 1000’s of demonstrators took to the streets chanting: “You’re the chief, you’re responsible!”

Within the city of Pardes Hanna-Karkur, demonstrators additionally known as for the discharge of all hostages and the holding of early elections. A few of them could possibly be heard chanting: “We is not going to hand over till we make this place a greater place to stay.”

Former Israeli struggle cupboard member Benny Gantz participated in a hostage march at Karmei Gat within the metropolis of Kiryat Gat with members of Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Nir Ounceswas considered one of a number of kibbutzim that bore the brunt of the Hamas assault on October 7, with many residents killed or taken hostage.