From Hostages Square in Tel Aviv: October 7 Victims' Families Mobilize Against Netanyahu in Elections

Families of Israelis killed or abducted during the October 7, 2023 attack called on citizens to participate in Tuesday's Israeli general election, voting in memory of victims who were deprived of this right, while demanding support for parties that pledged to form a government inquiry commission to uncover the truth and assign responsibility.

Family members gathered at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv at 6:29 AM, the exact time Hamas's attack began on October 7, 2023. They stood for a minute of silence to mourn the victims before delivering statements urging Israelis to head to the polls.

Sigal and Yoram Yehudai, parents of Ron Yehudai, who was killed during the attack on the Nova music festival in the desert, spoke about their son's final hours, when he hid inside a yellow dumpster hoping to survive, according to "Times of Israel."

Sigal Yehudai stated that Israel abandoned her son and its citizens by allowing thousands of attackers to carry out a bloody assault, adding that the abandonment of Ron continued until 11:47 AM, when he was killed.

She also expressed appreciation for the tens of thousands of Israelis who left their families and businesses around the world to cast their votes, calling on other citizens to follow their example and choose parties committed to establishing a state inquiry commission that provides answers and helps families overcome their suffering.

Demands to Uncover Truth and Assign Responsibility
Twelve other groups of parents and families who lost children or experienced abduction during the October attack and its aftermath joined in delivering messages.

Among them were Eyal Ishel, father of Roni Ishel, the surveillance soldier killed at the Nahal Oz military base, and Einav Zangauker, mother of Matan Zangauker, who was abducted and released in October 2025.

Ruby and Hagit Chen, parents of Itay Chen, the soldier killed during the October 7 attack whose body was taken to Gaza, also participated.

These moves come amid months-long efforts by families demanding the return of hostages and bodies of the dead from Gaza, alongside calls to hold officials accountable for failures preceding the attack.

Afri Tsor, brother of Amir Tsor, the paramedic killed during fighting in Kibbutz Be'eri, said his brother loved his country and people, and that his courage represents a lesson in bearing responsibility.

Tsor criticized those attempting, in his words, to evade responsibility and hide the truth, portraying situations as having returned to normal, thereby allowing the same government to be re-elected as if nothing had happened.

Voting in Memory of Victims
The families urged Israelis to participate in the elections for the sake of the deceased, the future of children, and preserving hope, emphasizing the importance of taking a stand through the ballot box.

In closing their remarks, speakers signed their names on a giant white ballot box instead of the usual blue one, mimicking traditional obituaries in Israel, in a scene combining remembrance of victims with a call for political participation and demands to uncover the truth.