In Tel Aviv, the “Place des Otages” has become a tribute place to the captives of Hamas

In Israel, the return of the hostages is expected, hoped, adjusted on all walls and in all mouths. At David-Ben-Gourion International Airport in Tel Aviv, photos-portraits of women and men, captive of Hamas, are hung on the barriers of treadmills. In Jerusalem, yellow ribbons adorn the branches of the trees, in memory of some 1,200 dead and 7,500 injured caused by the attack of October 7, 2023.

But it is in the big Israeli city of Tel Aviv that the tribute is the most ardent. In the midst of glass buildings, sporting the message “Bring them Home Now” (“bring them home now”, in French), the public square of the Museum of Fine Arts is today the name of “Place des Otages”. She receives, night and day, all those who wish to meditate in honor of murdered people or even alive. “We are waiting for the return of all the hostages, tomorrow, now, and we need them to appease our country, and the whole world,” conjure in a trembling voice Ester Taranto, 74, and member of the Kibbutz of Nahal Oz.

The hope of an agreement

Every Friday afternoon, a large part of this Israeli agricultural community goes to the now famous Esplanade of Tel Aviv. The community opens the Shabbat, a day of rest in the Jewish tradition, by a tribute to its own. During the attack on October 7, fifteen people were killed in Nahal Oz’s Kibbutz, and eight others were removed by Hamas. Among the rare hostages that we still think of alive, Omri Miran, 48 and father of two young children, has been detained for a year and eight months. In the middle of Place des Otages, a counter displays the duration of this ordeal, in yellow figures, hour per hour, minute per minute, second per second.

While the Assembly sets out an Israeli complaint, Eli and his wife Nora* tie a ribbon to a net covered with embroidery. “Hanging these sons together has become a symbolic gesture, as if that made it possible to maintain our hostages alive,” says Eli. This Friday, the retired couple left their border town in Lebanon to attend an opera in Tel Aviv. But he could not consider admiring the show without addressing his prayers to his compatriots.

For months, the Israeli population has retained their breath. She awaits an agreement between her government and Hamas to bring back the last living hostages, or failing that, their bodies. But the Prime Minister, Benyamin Netanyahu, firmly maintains his intention to continue the armed offensive in the Gaza Strip, in order to eradicate Hamas.

A political choice that revolts the association of the forum of hostages families, at a time when still captive relatives risk their lives under intensive bombing. “Everyone hates Netanyahu here!” You will not find a person who approves their policy among us, ”says Naoma, volunteer in the forum.

Regularly, the young woman leads a stand to welcome visitors to the esplanade, like a place of pilgrimage. “Volunteers take turns every day to ensure a presence in the morning, in the afternoon, and until late in the evening,” continues Naoma.

Art to heal the pain

In fact, the place of the Museum of Fine Arts has turned into a heart that is constantly beating. Every Tuesday, musicians gather for an improvised concert in honor of Evyatar David. This great guitar and piano lover was only 22 years old when he was kidnapped by Hamas. Then, every Friday, it is an outdoor yoga session that brings together the pilgrims. Carmel Gat, an occupational therapist, practiced meditation in captivity, until his assassination by Hamas.

On the esplanade, art has taken its place in tribute to the hostages. The looks of visitors are attracted to an imposing seven -branch candlestick, covered with yellow ribbons. Or by a piano, in free access. With a contained emotion, Itaz, therapist and living in the suburbs of Tel Aviv, approaches the instrument and begins a piece evoking mourning. A way of maintaining an intimate relationship with these hostages which he nevertheless only knows from afar. “The whole Israeli society suffers for them today,” says Itaz. We are like a big family, united in pain. »»

* The first name has been changed.