Young Relatives of Israeli Hostages in Cages Outside Knesset, Demands Free Them Now

Wednesday, July 10th, young family members of hostages led a demonstration outside the Knesset, sitting in cages. Using large speakers, they cried out and amplified the voices of their loved ones, who have been held in Gaza for 278 days, said a statement released by the Hostages Forum

According to the press release of hostages forum, several Knesset members joined the hostages families, even entering the cages with them. They promised to do everything possible to pass a deal that would bring all hostages home.

Many of the hostages friends and family members spoke on the occasion.

Eyal Kalderon, cousin of Ofer Kalderon, stated: “You might think this is just a show, but released hostages told us my cousin Ofer and Yarden Bibas were kept in cages exactly like these! This is how they lived for days and weeks. This isn’t an act – it’s been the reality for 120 people for 278 days.”

Mor Korngold, brother of Tal Shoham, said: “My brother is in a cage while 120 Knesset members sit in air conditioning, go on recess, and travel. It’s time for you to join us, sit with us in the sun in these cages, and feel what our siblings are experiencing there. We know there’s a deal on the table that could bring everyone back – the living for rehabilitation and the murdered for burial. We won’t allow this deal to be sabotaged! We want our loved ones home. I want my brother home!”

Gil Dickmann, cousin of Carmel Gat, urged: “Give us the victory we so desperately want! Bring the hostages home! Save the lives of those who can still be saved and return the deceased for burial. They’re watching you, they see you, they hear you from there and are waiting for you to make a brave decision!”

Ella Ben-Ami, daughter of Ohad Ben-Ami, added: “When we said 120 people needed to be released, we didn’t mean you should go on recess – we meant my father and 119 other hostages should come home and be set free! 120 Knesset members: Don’t go on recess. They’re not free, so you can’t be free either!”

Kobi Ben-Ami, brother of Ohad Ben-Ami, asked: “Prime Minister, Knesset members, in what world do we need to sit in cages for you to free our loved ones?”