Naama Levy turns 20 in Hamas captivity, Israelis honor her birthday at Hostages Square
Demonstrations against the government and in favor of early elections are taking place in Tel Aviv, in Haifa, in front of the Prime Minister's residence in Caesarea, and in other places.
To honor the 20th birthday of Naama Levy, who remains in Hamas captivity in Gaza, thousands of people assembled in Hostages Square on Saturday, the Hostages Families Forum Headquarters announced.
Levy has been held hostage for 260 days.
Previously released hostages told Naama's family that during her first days in captivity, she drew mandala patterns on a tattered sheet of paper with a pencil.
To honor this, a giant mandala has been set up in Hostages Square, and attendees have been invited to color it in.
Naama's friends and family members delivered speeches at the event while singer Shlomi Shaban performed.
At Hostage Square, Naama's parents both spoke. Her Father, Yoni Levy directed part of his message to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "Victory in war is not only victory in military battles. And it is not just maintaining the coalition at any cost. Victory in war is the ability to uphold the values of this people for years to come," Levy said.
"Victory is the ability to remain faithful to our values as Jews and Israelis. Victory is to uphold the values of camaraderie, mutual responsibility, and the sacred Jewish value: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.' Love your neighbor as yourself. Always. And in every situation," he continued.
He then demanded the prime minister "Love my Naama as yourself" and called on the prime minister to take care of her and love her just as he loves himself, and to bring his daughter home.
Demonstrations across the country
Demonstrations against the government and in favor of early elections took place on Saturday evening on Kaplan Street in Tel Aviv, where approximately 150,000 attended.
Protests also occurred in Haifa, in front of the Prime Minister's residence in Caesarea, and other centers throughout the country, totaling approximately 70 locations, according to protest organizers.
Crowds in Caesarea blocked the Karkur intersection chanting "Guilty, Guilty, Guilty," and clashes have been reported between protesters and drivers at the intersection.
MK Gilad Karib and MK Naama Lazimi both attended the demonstration in Caesarea. MK Lazimi said at the demonstrations that returning the hostages is not a concern of the current government.
Opposition leader and Yesh Atid Chair Yair Lapid attended the demonstrations in Hostage Square, and issued a statement on X, formerly Twitter. "260 days. It's time for the failing Prime Minister to stop dealing with jobs for rabbis and the draft-dodging and refusal laws for the Haredim. Instead, he should focus on one thing only – bringing them home," Lapid said.
National Unity leader MK Benny Gantz also attended a demonstration Saturday night, and was seen speaking to attendees.
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