Naama Levy, one of the Israeli hostages released in the most recent prisoner exchange with Hamas, delivered a chilling testimony Saturday evening at a rally in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, describing the unbearable conditions of her captivity.
Levy, who was held in Gaza for 477 days, recounted the trauma of living under fire and in isolation. “Each time, I was sure it was the end,” she told the crowd. “Even now, there are hostages who are trembling in fear.” Her emotional speech ended with a plea for an immediate deal to bring the remaining hostages home.
During her captivity, Levy said she was often told by her captors that she had been forgotten. “But I didn’t believe them,” she said. “I knew people were fighting for me, because on Saturday nights, when I was allowed to watch TV, I saw you — here, in this square. I saw thousands wrapped in flags, shouting, singing, holding photos of the hostages, including mine. You made me feel I hadn’t been forgotten.”
Levy recalled her early days in captivity, when she was held alone with her guards. “I was alone, constantly on the move, terrified. Sometimes I went days without food, with only a little water,” she said. At one point, she survived on rainwater. “I had nothing left. Not even water. Then it started raining. My captors put a pot outside, and I drank from that water. It was enough for rice. That’s what kept me alive.”
But even more terrifying than the deprivation were the airstrikes, she said. “They come suddenly. First you hear the whistling, you pray it won’t fall on you, then the explosions come — a deafening noise that paralyzes your body, and the ground shakes.”
Levy revealed that one airstrike caused part of the building she was held in to collapse. “Luckily, the wall I was leaning on didn’t collapse — that’s what saved my life.”
Thousands gathered at the rally at Habima Square. The protest also featured fierce criticism of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government, particularly in light of his announcement appointing Maj. Gen. David Zini as the next head of Israel’s internal security service, the Shin Bet.
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Thousands gather Saturday evening at Tel Aviv’s Habima Square for a rally demanding an end to the war in Gaza and the return of all hostages held by Hamas
(Photo: Zohar Ben Yehuda)
The demonstration, organized by groups advocating for government accountability and hostage release, concluded with participants marching toward the nearby Begin Gate for a continued protest.
Attorney Eliad Shraga, chairman of the Movement for Quality Government in Israel, addressed the rally and condemned Netanyahu’s appointment. “Netanyahu, remember — the rule of law applies even to those in power. You are playing with fire, and that fire will catch the hem of your coat,” he warned. “If you violate the court ruling and the attorney general’s directives, you are on a path to suspension. You’ve been warned.”
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Orna Shimoni of the Four Mothers movement called for a general strike. “I appeal personally to business owners, the self-employed and hi-tech professionals — take responsibility. Shut down the machines, stop production lines, release workers for a general strike. The majority of the people will follow you like a tsunami,” she said.
Lt. Col. (res.) Oren Shvil, a leader of the Brothers in Arms protest group, directed his comments to the head of the IDF’s Human Resources Directorate. “How can you look a young man from Modi’in in the eye after 200 days in Gaza while his neighbor in Modi’in Illit hasn’t received a draft notice?” he asked. “You’re a brave fighter who came up through the ranks. The IDF has a severe shortage of combat soldiers — those are your words. Don’t give in to this government’s draft evasion schemes. Open a map, raise your compass, and be a brave fighter again.”
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Anti-government demonstration at the Science Park Junction in Rehovot
(Photo: Meir Turgeman)
Earlier in the day, about 1,000 people demonstrated at the Science Park Junction in Rehovot, also demanding the release of hostages. MK Naama Lazimi of the Democrats Party, speaking in place of party chair Yair Golan who canceled due to scheduling conflicts, also criticized Zini’s appointment. “They’ve appointed a Shin Bet chief for the Kingdom of Judah, someone close to Rabbi [Tzvi] Tau. We must prevent this appointment,” she said, referring to a prominent ultra-nationalist rabbi considered a spiritual leader for parts of the Israeli far right.
Lazimi also echoed calls for a general strike and urged opposition leaders to act decisively. “Don’t be afraid. I call on opposition leaders — stop looking at polls. The country needs us. As one bloc, we will prevail.”
During the Rehovot protest, police blocked off the intersection and intervened to disperse a group of about 10 counter-protesters who clashed with demonstrators while shouting slogans such as “Only Bibi” and “Leftists are traitors.”
Danny Elgarat, whose brother Itzik was murdered while in Hamas captivity, also denounced Zini’s appointment and urged him to refuse the post.
First published: 20:52, 05.24.25