Gadi Kedem, who lost several of his family members during the October 7 Hamas attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz, was attacked on Saturday night by a right-wing protestor during the demonstration that took place for the release of the hostages in Tel Aviv, according to Saturday Israeli media reports.
תיעוד: התקיפה נגד גדי קדם, שכמה מבני משפחתו נרצחו בטבח 7 באוקטובר, בהפגנה נגד הממשלה בתל אביב. שני החשודים שנעצרו על ידי המשטרה – שוחררו@daniel_elazar pic.twitter.com/s3UkE1YjmU
— כאן חדשות (@kann_news) May 18, 2024
Kedem was taken to the hospital for treatment following the attack.
The police released a statement following the altercation, stating, “Police officers were present at the scene and worked to maintain public order, handled the incident, and separated those involved,” Kan News reported.
At the protest on Saturday night, demonstrators clashed with police at the Azrieli intersection as thousands gathered to demonstrate against the current Israeli government led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Protesters also blocked the Ayalon Highway in Tel Aviv for a short period of time.
In addition to protests in Tel Aviv, there were protests in Jerusalem, Beersheba, Caesaria, and Haifa. In Beersheba, demonstrators called for elections now, KAN noted.
Protestors lit a bonfire near Benjamin Netanyahu’s private residence in Caesarea and called for his resignation.
Rally at Hostages Square
Concurrently, a rally was held in Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, where Eden Golan sang the previous version of her Eurovision Contest song “October Rain.”
Former hostage Sahar Kalderon spoke of her father, Ofer Kalderon, who is still being held captive in Gaza, at the rally. “For eight months, my siblings and I have been without a father. For eight months, my father’s life has been put on hold as he suffers. Who knows how much longer his life will remain like this?”
She then directly addressed her father, saying, “Dad, when I wake up in the morning, I think of you. When I go to sleep, I think of you. Every second of the day, I wonder how you are, how you are managing there; if you are even eating at all.”
“Dad, I promise you that no matter what, you will come back, and we will never stop fighting for you,” she continued. “Please stay strong, we all love you.”
“I want my father back alive”Former hostage Sahar Kalderon spoke tonight at Hostage Square. Her father, Ofer, remains in captivity in Gaza.”For 8 months, my siblings and I have been without a father. For 8 months, my father’s life has been put on hold as he suffers. Who knows… pic.twitter.com/wT12qs659Q
— Aviva Klompas (@AvivaKlompas) May 18, 2024
Former US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton sent a videotaped speech to the rally.
She told the families of the hostages, “Let me first express my deepest sympathy for the losses that have been suffered and for those families who are still separated from their loved ones. I know, having met family members of hostages, how deep the pain is, and I know that you will never stop advocating for the release of your loved ones, your family members, your friends, everyone who was kidnapped and is being held hostage.”
In her speech, Clinton highlighted that those held hostage are citizens of 17 different countries who practice five different religions.
Clinton concluded, “Action should be taken immediately to bring them home. President Biden, I, and so many Americans stand with you as you seek their return. I will pray for them and for you that you are reunited soon. This terrible tragedy of their being held hostage must end now.”
The German ambassador to Israel, Stefen Seibert, the US ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, and social media influencer Montana Tucker also attended the rally at Hostages Square on Saturday evening.
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