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Hostages Square
Public square in Tel Aviv, Israel From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Hostages Square (Hebrew: כיכר החטופים, romanized: Kikar HaChatufim) is a public plaza located in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art. In the wake of the October 7 attacks, families of the hostages established a permanent encampment in the square due to its proximity to the Israel Defense Forces headquarters. It has since become a central site for rallies and protests during the Gaza war, calling for the hostages' release.
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History
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The plaza in front of the Tel Aviv Museum of Art received its current name following the October 7 attacks. It became a gathering point for families of the hostages and their supporters, who were drawn to its proximity to the Israel Defense Forces headquarters.[1][2][3][4]
On 3 November 2023, a "tent city" was established in the square by the families.[5] These tents were set up by kibbutzim from the western Negev, families of victims of the Nova music festival massacre, the Bnei Akiva movement, and the Wolfson Foundation's "Ayelet Hashachar" organization.[6]
The square hosts kiosks selling merchandise with the "Bring Them Home Now" logo, tents for gatherings and discussions, and small stages for speeches.[7][8] Some tents are staffed by representatives and survivors from the attacked kibbutzim, who speak with visitors and display posters of their kidnapped members.[9] An electronic screen was installed that counts the time elapsed since the October 7 attacks.[9]
The CEO of the Tel Aviv Museum has described the square as a "direct and open line between the general public and the museum," citing the connection between the art installations in the plaza and the exhibits inside.[10]
Art installations
The square features art installations and banners highlighting the hostages' plight and calling for their release.[11][12]
One of the first pieces installed was an empty Shabbat dinner table, with an empty seat for each hostage.[4][8] Other works include the Empty Yellow Chairs installation, where the color yellow signifies solidarity. Mirrors were also installed around a pre-war sculpture, The Binding of Isaac by Menashe Kadishman.[13][14]
Some pieces were repurposed for the square, such as a large metal and wood female face sculpture by Nitzan Peled and Gidi Galor. The incomplete work survived the Be'eri massacre and was moved to Arugot for completion before its installation.[12]
In January 2024, a 25-meter mock Hamas tunnel was erected. This narrow, dimly lit passage allows attendees to walk through while loudspeakers play the names of the hostages, messages from their families, and sounds of distant gunfire to simulate the conditions of captivity.[15][16]
A "Tree of Wishes" was installed with tags decorated by Jewish schoolchildren from 650 schools worldwide, a project connected to the UnitEd program of the Israeli Ministry of Diaspora Affairs and Combating Antisemitism.[9]
In September 2025, to mark the 700th day of captivity, protesters displayed a large yellow SOS sign with an hourglass, symbolizing that time was running out. Attendees wore yellow and were led in a Friday evening prayer service by representatives from Gaza-border communities, hostage families, and released hostages.[17]
Rallies
2023
On 12 November 2023, Arab-Israeli newscaster Lucy Aharish led a rally of over 1,000 women in Hostages Square, calling for the release of the more than 100 women held hostage and condemning the sexual violence committed on October 7. Speakers, including Cochav Elkayam-Levy, model Linor Abargil, newscaster Linoy Bar-Geffen, athlete Yarden Gerbi, and singer Rita, also criticized the silence of international women's organizations on the issue.[18]
On 24 November, a large Shabbat service was held at the square following that day's hostage release. Attendees included cabinet minister Benny Gantz.[19] The next day, approximately 100,000 people rallied to mark "50 Days of Hell" since the hostage-taking.[20][21]
In early December 2023, thousands gathered to demand the return of the remaining hostages. Speakers included recently freed hostages who had been released during the late-November temporary ceasefire and prisoner exchange.[22]
2024
The square has been the site of weekly rallies held by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum since the hostages were taken, with anti-governmental protests also being held nearby since early 2024.[23]
On the evening of 13 January 2024, an estimated 120,000 people attended the start of a 24-hour rally to mark 100 days since the attacks. Speakers included relatives of the hostages, French President Emmanuel Macron, US Ambassador to Israel Jack Lew, former Supreme Court President Dorit Beinisch, Nobel laureate Aaron Ciechanover, and Rabbi Yisrael Meir Lau.[24] Family members warned that time was running out and expressed frustration with the government's efforts. Despite heavy rain, fifty artists performed and spoke in support of the hostages, including Sarit Hadad, Itay Levi, Ran Danker, Ehud Banai, Jasmin Moallem, Ilai Boṭner, Zehava Ben, and Amir Dadon.[24][25][15]
On 23 March, a reading of the Book of Esther for Purim was held, led by the Tzohar Rabbinical Organization and Rabbi Kenneth Brander of Ohr Torah Stone. Shai Gabso also performed.[26]
On 30 March, after a rally in the square, family members of hostages marched towards the Kirya, joined by anti-government protesters from the Kaplan protest. Israeli police declared the march illegal, and the event reportedly turned violent, with family members' microphones being cut off at the Begin Bridge.[27]
2025
In January 2025, the square was used to stream live transmissions of hostages being released to the IDF during the 2025 ceasefire and prisoner exchange. Pictures of the released individuals were displayed throughout the square. During the first release, roughly 2,000 people watched the events on large screens, releasing yellow balloons into the air once the hostages were confirmed to be back in Israel.[28][29]
On 30 January, US Special Envoy to the Middle East Steve Witkoff visited the square, meeting with released hostages and family members of those still in captivity.[30]
On 10 February, an event was held to commemorate the 24th birthday of Alon Ohel, his second in captivity. His family called for his release, and singer Ivri Lider performed for them.[31]
On 28 May, thousands gathered to mark 600 days of war and hostage crisis. The rally featured speeches from actor Lior Ashkenazi, testimony from released hostages, and appeals from families of those still held.[32]
On 31 May, during the holiday of Shavuot, rallies were held nationwide to demand a ceasefire and hostage deal, coinciding with US diplomatic efforts. A rally at the square, hosted by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, featured speeches from former hostages and families of the remaining captives.[33]
On 13 October 2025, thousands of Israelis gathered at Hostages Square in celebration as the last 20 living hostages were released back into Israel following the implementation of the Gaza peace plan.[34]
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Gallery
Poster of Traditional Jewish Prayer to Return Captives
"Our Heart is Captive in Gaza"
Explanation of "The Tunnel" in Hostages Square
Poster outlining the timeline of the October 7 attacks to commemorate the victims and hostages
Emotional support board
Menorah memorial
Heart-shaped rocks to commemorate the hostages
Commemoration of hostage children
Crowds gather in celebration as the last living hostages are released
![Thumb](#/media/File:Poster_that_says_"Our_heart_is_held_hostage_in_Gaza".jpg)
![Thumb](#/media/File:Explanation_of_"The_Tunnel"_in_Hostages_Square.jpg)
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References
External links
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