Ahead of Passover, members of hostage families gathered to come up with a small gesture they hoped might compel decision-makers to prioritize the release of those still held by Hamas in Gaza.
“Evyatar has no freedom—on the contrary,” said Tamar Eshet, cousin of hostage Evyatar David, in a conversation with Ynet. “It’s inconceivable that decision-makers can sit at the holiday table with their families and not give the hostages a second thought.”
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Members of hostage families urge decision-makers to remember the captives ahead of the holiday
The group prepared a package containing a shmurah matzah, a photo of all 59 hostages still in captivity, and a personal letter, which they hand-delivered to the homes of government ministers and lawmakers. Most received them warmly.
“We know Evyatar is being starved, abused and humiliated. We couldn’t stand idly by,” Tamar said. “We wanted to do something that would connect him to those people—as if he were one of their own, and his empty seat was at their table.”
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While most officials responded positively, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer—appointed to lead Israel’s negotiating team for the hostages—was not available when they arrived at his home. “We left the package for him, and I hope he takes notice,” Tamar said.
She urged the Israeli public to rally behind the hostages’ families and keep the issue in the national conversation. “There are so many ways this can be done,” she said. “By joining rallies and protests, leaving an empty seat at the Seder table, mentioning the hostages in prayer.”
Tamar concluded by calling on all Israelis to imagine themselves in the hostages’ place. “Think about what you would want others to do if it were you living through this nightmare.”