Thursday marked the second day of an impassioned event near Kibbutz Nir Am, as families of Hamas-held hostages continued their vigil under the banner "End the Abandonment – Convoy to the Strip's Border," supported by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum. The air was filled with the sound of their pleas as they used loudspeakers to call out to their loved ones across the border. In a moment of raw emotion, some family members made a dash toward the border fence and managed to enter a secluded agricultural buffer just before the Gaza Strip, shouting: "If the government won't make a deal, we'll bring them back ourselves." Eventually they began heading back toward a nearby kibbutz.
Video: Families of hostages breach Gaza fence, August 29, 2024 / Credit: Shmuel Buchris
The father of Hersh Goldberg-Polin called out with a voice thick with emotion: "Hersh, it's Dad. You need to know it's not just the families here today, not just the nine million people in this country, but the whole world. We won't stop until all of you are back home safe."
Nissim, brother of hostage Ofer Calderon, added his own heartfelt message: "Everyone's here waiting for you, my dear brother. Gaya, Rotem, Saar, Erez, and Hadas, who's been caring for them every day. Stay strong. This nightmare will end soon, and we'll be back cycling and meeting at our favorite lookout."
The grandmother of Idan Alexander called out with a mixture of love and worry: "Our precious soul! We're calling out to you. Mom and Dad are waiting in America – you came here to serve in the army. We're so worried, we love you, and we're waiting for your quick return! Be strong, take care of yourself. Survive! We love you and we're doing everything for you, for everyone."
Hostage Nimrod Cohen's father's voice cracked as he shouted: "Son, it's Dad speaking. We're here at the Gaza border to tell you we're still fighting for you! I won't give up until you're home. I'll keep running to every corner of the world until we get a deal that frees you and brings back all the hostages! We're pushing our government for a deal – we need this nightmare to end! Nimrod Cohen, it's your dad – I want you to hear me, to give you strength to hold on until we bring you back!"
Orly Gilboa, mother of Daniella, called out with raw emotion: "Eleven months I've been waiting for you. We all want you here. Hold on, take care of yourself and the friends with you. I hope you're not alone. Mom is moving heaven and earth to bring you back quickly. I'm sorry it's taking so long, but you will return – believe it. Don't lose hope."
Yael Adar, whose son Tamir was killed in captivity, directed her anguish towards the political leadership: "If you can't hear me, then let Bibi hear: You failed to protect us for 20 years. Protect us now and bring everyone home."
Shira Elbag, mother of hostage Liri Elbag, cried out through tears: "Hold on, sweetheart. I miss you so much it aches in every fiber of my being."
