Israelis took to the streets Tuesday to demand the release of hostages held in Gaza and an end to the war, beginning at 6:29 a.m., the exact time Hamas’ Oct. 7 assault began.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, representing relatives of the captives, called the day of demonstrations the “National Day of Solidarity” under the slogan “Israel Stands Together.”
The protests opened with a giant flag displaying photos of hostages outside the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv. Demonstrators later blocked the Ayalon Highway during rush hour, prompting police to reopen the road.
Ayalon Highway
Dozens of protesters also gathered outside the homes of Education Minister Yoav Kisch in Hod Hasharon, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in Ness Ziona, and Environmental Protection Minister Idit Silman in Rehovot. Outside Silman’s home, participants sang the prayer “Adon Haselichot” while others read aloud the names of hostages. In Jerusalem, Shai Dickmann, cousin of Carmel Gat, who was killed in Hamas tunnels, protested outside Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer’s residence.
Protesters outside ministers' homes
The demonstrations caused intermittent blockages on multiple highways across the country. In central Israel, Highway 4 experienced delays near the Masubim Interchange, HaOgen Junction, Ra’anana Junction, and Bnei Darom Interchange, while Highway 44 at Nahshon Junction, Highway 443 at Shilat Junction, and Highway 531 at the Herzliya East Interchange also faced disruptions. Protesters blocked traffic on Ayalon Highways near Holon with burning tires.
In the north, highways 65, 75, and 85 were affected at Megiddo Junction, Menashe Junction, Nahalal Junction, and Amiad Junction, and in the south, Highway 40 near Ram Masmiyya Junction saw temporary blockages. Tires were set on fire at some locations, and demonstrators carried signs reading “Dead hostages don’t speak” and “The government is killing the hostages.”
In Haifa, Boaz Zalmanowitz, son of Aryeh Zalmanowitz—abducted on Oct. 7 and later killed in Gaza—recounted haunting video footage of his father being taken on a motorcycle by Hamas gunmen. “The footage is very close. Every detail is visible—the bandage on his head, the blood on his beard, his terrified eyes, his frail hands clinging to the terrorist in front of him,” he said. “My father was abandoned on Oct. 7 and languished for 40 days and nights in terrible suffering. The government did nothing to save him and still leaves his body in Gaza. He is not the only one—the government has condemned 50 hostages to death and disappearance forever.”
At Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, families of those still held in Gaza accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of blocking a potential deal. Einav Zangauker, mother of hostage Matan, said: “This is the 690th day our loved ones are held in Gaza. We could have ended the war a year ago, but the prime minister repeatedly sacrificed citizens for the sake of his rule.” Other parents, including Itzik Horn and Hagit Chen, said the government was knowingly risking captives’ lives. Yotam Cohen, brother of hostage Nimrod Cohen, told demonstrators: “There is a deal on the table. Nimrod was there on Oct. 7 to defend us all. Our duty as Israelis is to bring them home. This isn’t right or left—it’s our obligation.”
Additional events were planned throughout the day, including a “Mothers and Strollers” march, a convoy protest, an art exhibition by survivors of captivity, and a symbolic “Placing Notes in the Cabinet” event. A mass march was scheduled from Tel Aviv’s Savidor Central train station to Hostages Square, followed by a rally.
Israeli officials met Monday with an Egyptian delegation to discuss conditions for a potential deal, and the security cabinet was expected to convene Tuesday. Families of hostages urged the public to support them: “Stand with us, stand with the soldiers and reservists, stand with the bereaved families. This is the time of the hostages.”
High-tech companies including Meta, Wix, Monday.com, Fiverr, and Playtika allowed employees to leave work to participate, and several venture capital funds also voiced support.
“The people of Israel are proving their values—bringing the living to rehabilitation and the fallen to a worthy burial,” the Hostages Forum said.
First published: 23:21, 08.25.25