Outside Netanyahu’s house, protesters set fire to a symbolic cedar table
Caesarea, Israel:
Israeli protesters burned a symbolic Passover table outside the home of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the start of the Jewish holiday on Monday, accusing him of thwarting hostages in Gaza.
On October 7, hundreds of protesters gathered outside the gates leading to the house in the coastal city of Caesarea to demand the release of hostages kidnapped by Palestinian militants and to criticize Netanyahu’s leadership.
Israeli officials say 129 hostages remain in the Gaza Strip after the Hamas attack, including 34 the military says are dead.
Their plight has affected this year’s Passover, also known as the “Holiday of Freedom” in Hebrew.
Guy Ben Dror said they were protesting against “the worst prime minister in Israel’s history”.
“He doesn’t want the hostages back because he doesn’t want the war to end or he’ll go to jail,” said the 54-year-old investment firm employee.
Passover commemorates the freedom of the Jewish people from Egyptian slavery. A ceremonial meal, known as the Seder, takes place on the first evening, with participants seated around a tray filled with symbolic food.
Outside Netanyahu’s home, protesters, some of whom were relatives of the hostages, set fire to a symbolic cedar table after placing empty places on another table to represent the hostage’s continued captivity.
“We are here to share our feelings, our grief, our grief with the families of the kidnapped,” said protester Yael Ben Porat.
“I didn’t want to celebrate this holiday when we had so many of our people in Gaza kidnapped, our brothers and sisters,” said the 62-year-old lawyer.
“We all believe that he is responsible for the terrible disaster of October 7,” he said, accusing Netanyahu of failing to negotiate for his release.
“This night is only bitter, no freedom,” he said.
In a post on X marking the start of Passover on Monday, Netanyahu asserted, “Our resolve is unwavering to see all hostages back with their families.”
“Tonight, we think of those who cannot join their families at the Seder table. Their absence strengthens our resolve and reminds us of the urgency of our mission. We will not rest until then. Until everyone is set free,” he said.
“The coming days will intensify military and diplomatic efforts to secure the freedom of our hostages,” he said.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
