After the return of the hostages: Yom Kippur prayer in the square takes on new meaning | Watch the footage

The Yom Kippur prayer in the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, nearly three years after October 7, took on renewed meaning this year in light of the return of hostages. The prayer, attended by families of hostages, bereaved families, rabbis, and public figures, was dedicated to gratitude for the return, in memory of those who did not return, and for the well-being of the soldiers.

The Yom Kippur prayer in the Hostages Square in Tel Aviv took on renewed meaning this year, nearly three years after October 7 and in light of the return of hostages. The prayer was held with the participation of families of hostages, bereaved families, rabbis, public figures, and a diverse audience from various parts of Israeli society. Over the past three years, the square has become a place where religious and secular, worshippers and those who do not usually attend synagogues, stood together in prayer for the return of the hostages. This year, out of gratitude for their return and in memory of those who did not return alive, the prayer was also dedicated to the well-being of the soldiers, the healing of the wounded, and strengthening the connection within Israeli society. Behind the initiative is a group of activists and public figures, including Mira Leshem, the event initiator; Mirav Leshem Gonen; Rabbi Itamar Eldar, head of Yeshivat Orot Shaul and a partner in the initiative; Rabbi Tamir Granot; Rabbi David Stav; and the Tzohar organization. Mira Leshem and Rabbi Itamar Eldar stated: "We have a deep feeling that our success in praying together over the past two years, overcoming differences in opinions, ideology, and prayer habits, contributed to the return of the hostages, and we pray that this year's success will also bring blessing to the people of Israel."