Yom Kippur Prayers Held at Hostages Square Ahead of Third Anniversary of Oct. 7

On Yom Kippur, prayers were held at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, attended by families of hostages, bereaved families, rabbis, public figures, and a diverse crowd from across Israeli society. For the past three years, the square has become a site where religious and secular individuals, worshippers and non-worshippers alike, have stood together praying for the return of the hostages.

This year's prayer service was dedicated to the safe return of hostages, remembrance of those who did not survive, the well-being of soldiers, the recovery of the wounded, and strengthening unity within Israeli society. As the third anniversary of the October 7th attacks approaches, the initiators of the prayer sought to return to the place where an unusual connection was forged between different segments of the nation, aiming to preserve this spirit of togetherness amidst the ongoing societal divisions and differences.

The initiative was spearheaded by a group of activists and public figures, including event initiator Mira Lashem, Me'irav Lashem Gonen, Rabbi Itamar Eldar, head of the Orot Shaul Yeshiva, Rabbi Tamir Granot, Rabbi David Stav, and the Tzohar organization.

Mira Lashem and Rabbi Itamar Eldar stated, "We have a deep feeling that our success in praying together over the past two years, overcoming differences in opinions, ideology, and prayer customs, contributed to the return of hostages, and we pray that this year's success will also bring a blessing to the people of Israel."