Israel-Gaza conflict: Members of Kibbutz Nir Oz set-up 239 empty beds as a symbol of Israeli hostages
Israel-Gaza conflict: In a poignant demonstration, members of Kibbutz Nir Oz, located at the center of Hamas's attack, have arranged 239 empty beds in Jerusalem's Safra Square. Each empty bed represents one of the hostages currently held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The beds, of various sizes, are accompanied by personal items to convey the absence of those kidnapped by Hamas since the attack on Israel.
The Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum has called on the Israeli government to take immediate action to secure the release of all hostages, including missing soldiers and civilians, labeling the captivity by Hamas as a "crime against humanity."
Members of Kibbutz Nir Oz in Jerusalem set up 239 empty beds, symbolizing Israeli hostages
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This exhibit, which remains open to the public until the afternoon of November 1, will later see the beds and equipment donated to families residing in the Gaza envelope, as stated by the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum.
Kibbutz Nir Oz members revealed that a quarter of their community is missing, with 80 members either murdered or kidnapped. Survivors of the attack, along with families of those who are missing or held hostage, paid their respects at the exhibit with a moment of silence beside the empty beds.
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The exhibit was a collaborative effort between artist Eran Webber and strategist Vered Huri, with Kibbutz members working alongside hundreds of volunteers from across the country to set up the display. On Tuesday, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), estimated that Hamas is holding approximately 240 hostages in Gaza. Since the attack by Hamas on October 7, 315 IDF soldiers have lost their lives, as reported by CNN.
On Monday, the IDF successfully executed its first hostage rescue operation since October 7, securing the release of an Israeli soldier who had been abducted by Hamas. IDF announced the soldier's safe return on X, stating, "She is home. PVT Megidish was abducted by Hamas on October 7. Tonight, she was released during ground operations. Ori is now home with her family."
- With inputs from agencies
