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Orna Raz

Day 388 Of The War: The Families At The Knesset

Family members protest at the Knesset today, courtesy of the headquarter of the Families
Family members protest at the Knesset today, courtesy of the headquarter of the Families

Last Saturday night, there were once again two large demonstrations in Tel Aviv. One took place at the Begin Gate, where families of hostages and other protesters gathered to protest against the unbearable actions of the Israeli government and the prime minister, who refuses to take steps toward a deal for the hostages’ release. The other demonstration, at the Hostages’ Circus, was similar in essence but focused specifically on the hostages and their release, with fewer factions demanding the removal of Netanyahu and his government from power.On that day, a close friend of mine was celebrating an important birthday, and I really wanted to be there. However, I knew I also had to attend the demonstrations, so I managed to do both. The birthday party was held at 5 p.m. at a moshav about an hour from Tel Aviv. I arrived early to celebrate with my friend, and by around 7 p.m., I was already driving back to Tel Aviv to join the protest. I had vowed to myself that if I am in the country, I would never miss a demonstration, and so far, I’ve kept that promise. It’s the least I can do. Last Saturday was a depressing night; we stood there, protesting against an obtuse government, while so many soldiers were being killed and the hostages remained in Gaza.

Today marked the first day of the Winter Session in the Knesset, following an unnecessary and undeservedly long vacation of three months that Knesset members awarded themselves, especially during such difficult times.

At the headquarters this afternoon, several family members began arriving in the dining room after spending the morning in Jerusalem at the Knesset. It was heartening to see that they had decided not to hold back anymore. They attended several committee sessions and spoke directly to Knesset members. Unfortunately, coalition members didn’t show up to speak with the families. There were several forms of protest in the Knesset; for example, some family members sat blindfolded in the corridor, holding signs with photos of their loved ones. Then, the Knesset guards demanded that they leave.

Still, there was one success: family members managed to take over the Interior and Environment Committee, renaming it the Committee for Saving the Hostages. Gilad, the father of hostage Tal Shoham, was there with other family members and perfectly highlighted the difference between his son’s plight and the luxurious lifestyle of the MKs when he sarcastically told the committee members that they had returned to the Knesset after “a long and pampering vacation.”

I cannot understand how these members of Knesset can still show their faces in public while the hostages remain in Gaza.

About the Author
I hold a PhD in English Literature from the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, specializing in writing about issues related to women, literature, culture, and society. Having lived in the US for 15 years (between 1979-1994), I bring a diverse perspective to my work. As a widow, in March 2016, I initiated a support and growth-oriented Facebook group for widows named "Widows Move On." The group has now grown to over 2000 members, providing a valuable space for mutual support and understanding.
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