The name that became a symbol receives official status: Tel Aviv Museum plaza declared 'Hostages Square'
Tel Aviv-Yafo Mayor Ron Huldai today unveiled the official sign for 'Hostages Square' at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art plaza, granting official status to the name that has taken root since October 7, 2023. The municipality seeks to commemorate the struggle for the return of the hostages, which ended with the return of Ran Guili on January 26, 2026. Afterwards, Huldai met with representatives of the hostage families at Beit Ariela.
Tel Aviv-Yafo Mayor Ron Huldai today (Tuesday) unveiled the new official sign for 'Hostages Square' at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art plaza, granting official status to the name that has taken root in the public since October 7, 2023. In doing so, the municipality seeks to anchor the significance of the place and commemorate the struggle for the return of the hostages as part of the city's and the country's story. The plaza has served for nearly three years as a gathering space for families, citizens, and communities, with mass rallies, Shabbat gatherings, installations, and community activities. Alongside the activities for the return of the hostages, the square also served for celebrations of the return of hostages who came back from captivity. After the unveiling, Huldai met with representatives of the hostage families at Beit Ariela, which has served as an open house for the families since the beginning of the war. The municipality provided infrastructure for the operation of the families' headquarters, including tents, electricity, and logistical equipment, as well as personal accompaniment for dozens of families through the social services administration. The municipal education system held educational activities in the square. In his remarks, Huldai said: 'You cannot erase history, and we must not forget it,' and emphasized that the decision is intended to ensure that the chapter from October 7, 2023, until the return of the last hostage, Ran Guili, on January 26, 2026, will be remembered for generations.