The rally, organized Saturday evening by the Hostage and Missing Families Forum under the motto"Thank you, to the people of Israel," concluded a nearly two-year civic campaign held continuously at the same location. The event precedes the first phase of the recently signed ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, which provides for the release of the last hostages held in Gaza.

"It is our shared responsibility, as the people of Israel, to ensure that the agreement is fully implemented," the organization said, quoted by Times of Israel.

"A new day will dawn"

The event is attended by relatives of the kidnapped, government officials and public figures. Among the guests were former US envoy for the Middle East Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, who were involved in the diplomatic process that led to the current agreement.

Survivor of the Nova festival attack and Israel's representative at Eurovision, Yuval Raphael, took to the stage set up in Hostage Square, where she performed the song "New Day Will Rise", which has become a symbol of hope for families.

As the entire nation holds its breath in anticipation of the implementation of the agreement to return the hostages, the families of the hostages invite the people of Israel to participate in the central rally at Hostages Square tonight.

🎗️ tonight, 8:00 PM, Hostages Square,…

— Bring Them Home Now (@bringhomenow) October 11, 2025

Call for solidarity

"Dear people of Israel, we need you now more than ever," Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, a 23-year-old among the hostages in Gaza, told those present.

Under the deal, Hamas is to release 48 people, 20 of whom are believed to be alive and at least 26 have been confirmed dead by the Israeli military. In return, Israel will release about 2,000 Palestinian prisoners and begin a gradual withdrawal of troops from Gaza, under the guarantees of the US and international mediators.

Lights for those who did not return

"Our fight is not over and will not end until the last hostage returns home," said the forum's representatives, as thousands of people sang and lit candles in solidarity and remembrance of those who never returned.

At the same time as the Tel Aviv rally, similar demonstrations took place in Jerusalem, Sha’ar HaNegev and Karmei Gat, transforming the evening into a moment of national unity and remembrance.