Ex-Hostages Urge Israelis to Vote, Demand Accountability Ahead of Election

Thousands gathered on Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Saturday evening, October 24, demanding the establishment of a state commission to investigate the failures of October 7. Three days before the election, former hostages, survivors of the attack, and families of the deceased urged Israelis to go to the polls to seek truth and hold the political leadership accountable. The rally, titled "For Them," was organized by the October Council, an organization of freed hostages, families of the deceased, and survivors. Leaders present included Gadi Eisenkot of the Yashar party, Avigdor Lieberman of Yisrael Beiteinu, Yair Golan of the Democrats, and Naftali Bennett of the Be Yahad party.

Rabbi Elhanan Danino, father of Uri Danino, who was killed in Hamas captivity, spoke first, thanking supporters and noting that over three years after the attack, the government has not initiated a state investigation. He called for a commission to examine the actions of all responsible parties, stating, "Whoever avoids establishing a state commission of inquiry likely has a reason for it." He added that not even a parliamentary or government commission had been formed in three years.

Daniel Aloni, released with her daughter Emilia after 49 days in captivity, appealed to those who fought for their return, urging them not to forgo the opportunity to influence the future. "In three days, go vote. I don't want to raise Emilia in fear," she said.

Zuli Giongiochi, who adopted Avigail the killed parents and her two older siblings after their parents Roi and Smadar were killed, spoke about the questions the children still need answered regarding the attack and responsibility for the failures. He recounted meeting with Joe Biden at the White House months after the massacre, while the Israeli government, he claimed, "didn't even find time for a WhatsApp message."

Menashe and Sigal Mantsuri, who lost their daughters Norel and Roya at the Nova festival, were met with shouts of "You are not alone" from the crowd. Menashe shared that pain had defined his life for three years but now he wants to restore meaning to the word "hope." Sigal urged continuing the legacy of their deceased children and realizing their dreams, stating, "We were thrown into an abyss, and now it's time to build and recover, as a state and as a people."

Vicky Cohen, mother of released hostage Nimrod Cohen, accused the state of years of funding Hamas and the tunnels where her son was held. She asserted that Nimrod was left unprotected on October 7 and abandoned every day thereafter. "The heads of the security forces have already resigned. Now it's time for the political leadership to take responsibility," Cohen declared, demanding a state commission to ensure the truth about the events is not buried, like her son who spent two years underground. Omer Ohana, partner of Sagi Golan, who was killed in combat in Be'eri on October 7, spoke about the inequality faced by LGBT citizens, who are willing to die for the country but encounter incitement from its leadership. "In duties we are equal, but in rights we are not," he stated, calling for an Israel where all citizens are equal and there is truth and justice.

Before the rally, the October Council had requested increased security from Police Inspector General Dani Levi, citing information from competent sources and party leaders about planned provocations by individuals linked to coalition parties. Organizers claimed these individuals intended to carry unauthorized banners and flags and distort the event's message.

Following the rally, Eisenkot stated his intention to achieve change and societal unity on Tuesday, October 27, election day, promising to establish a state commission of inquiry "at the first government meeting" to ascertain the truth and prevent future catastrophes.