Yom Kippur Prayers Return to Hostages Square for Third Consecutive Year

For the third year in a row, Yom Kippur prayers will be held at Tel Aviv's Hostages Square. This year's services, including Kol Nidre, Yizkor, and Neilah, are expected to draw the families of returned hostages, bereaved families, rabbis, public figures, and individuals from across Israeli society.

Since the start of the war, the square has evolved beyond a focal point for the campaign to release hostages. It has become a unique meeting place for religious and secular Israelis, hostage families and bereaved families, the wounded, and worshippers, including those who do not typically attend synagogue but sought a communal space for prayer and hope.

This year, with many hostages returned, the event's organizers aim to return to the square where they prayed during difficult times to express gratitude for those who have come back, remember those who did not survive, and pray for the safety of soldiers, the recovery of the wounded, and national unity. The initiative is supported by Mira Leshem, Merav Leshem-Gonen, Rabbi Itamar Eldar, Rabbi Tamir Granot, Rabbi David Stav, and the Tzohar organization.

Mira Leshem and Rabbi Itamar Eldar stated that the square has served as a place where diverse members of Israeli society stood together in prayer and hope. This year, they will pray for soldiers' safety, the wounded's recovery, and "especially for peace among us." They added that this unity was not just part of the hostage release effort but is crucial for "our ability to continue living here together, even when we are different and disagree."

Merav Leshem-Gonen, mother of released hostage Romy Gonen, recalled praying at the square two years ago for the hostages' return. Last year, the focus was on maintaining unity and praying for the soldiers. This year, she said, they return to bless the safe return of hostages, honor the memory of those killed and returned, support security forces' families, embrace bereaved and wounded families, and continue to strengthen the nation's spirit and seek unity.

Prayer times are scheduled as follows: Kol Nidre on Sunday evening at 6:30 PM, Yizkor on Monday at 5:45 PM, and Neilah at 6:00 PM.