Demonstrations by hostage families and their supporters took place outside Likud headquarters in Tel Aviv on Monday morning, organized by the civil organization The Women’s Protest for the Return of the Hostages.

“Another morning where the government and its leaders are playing Russian roulette with the lives of the hostages and their families,” a statement from the protest organizers said.

“Another morning that 55 hostages, both alive and deceased, are subjected to the government’s selection process, deciding who comes home and who remains in Hamas’s tunnels in Gaza,” the statement continued.

“Netanyahu’s ‘Coalition Peace War’ brings the death of hostages and soldiers alike; only a ceasefire deal will bring everyone back and save lives.”

Mother of Matan Zanguaker tells daughter to not loose hope

Einav Zangauker, mother of Matan Zangauker, also spoke at the protest.
Relatives of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza and supporters protest for their release, outside the Likud headquarters in Tel Aviv, March 9, 2025. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90)
Relatives of Israelis held hostage by Hamas terrorists in Gaza and supporters protest for their release, outside the Likud headquarters in Tel Aviv, March 9, 2025. (credit: ERIK MARMOR/FLASH90)
“Six hundred and twelve days that my beloved child has been held in hell; 612 days that I haven’t been breathing, eating, or sleeping,” she said.

“Matan, we fight for you every day. Don’t give up, don’t lose hope, we are not giving up on you here,” she added.

Former hostage Ilana Gritzewsky calls on gov't to do more for hostages

Former hostage and partner of Matan Zangauker, Ilana Gritzewsky, spoke at the demonstration, saying, “I’m still fighting for you, Matan, and for all the hostages we left behind.”

“Hamas didn’t break me, and the government won’t break me,” she said. “The government is not doing enough to bring everyone back. I demand from everyone: Enough! Enough! Let us begin healing. Let us eat, breathe. Let me live without the guilt of why I’m free and they’re not. I want to feel truly free, and that will only happen when I hug Matan and all our brothers and sisters.”

“My government must do everything to reach an agreement – that will come from you. To end the war and bring everyone home.”

Father of Bar Kuperstein recalls son's capture

The father of Hamas hostage Bar Kuperstein, Tal Kuperstein, described how his son stepped up and supported the family by running their business after he was in a series of medical accidents.

“Bar enlisted in the Nahal Brigade and served as a medic. On October 7, he was working at the Nova Festival as a deputy security officer. When the terrorists arrived, Bar helped the wounded. He drove to the Patish site with a Ranger vehicle four times. He could have fled, but chose to return to hell.”

He said: “We found out about Bar’s abduction at 11 a.m., when the horror video was released showing him handcuffed by his hands and feet, with a cord around his neck. Even in that moment, Bar shouted his name to the terrorists and begged them to treat the injured Elkana Bohbot. That’s Bar – always caring for others before himself,” he said.

Who organized the demonstration?

The Women’s Protest for the Return of the Hostages is a civil organization founded in January 2024 with the purpose of bringing the hostages home. The organization calls to create the conditions that will allow for their return and bring about a hostage deal now.

The women’s protest believes that its role is to “sound the voice of women which is missing from the decision-making table – a voice which chooses life and believes that saving life is the most important thing.”

The women’s protest has organized many small protests around the country, and a number of large marches. Family members of hostages often attend and speak at these protests.

Eve Young contributed to this report.