Residents of Kibbutz Be'eri, currently living in temporary housing in following the October 7 massacre, have unveiled a display on Israeli Independence Day. Instead of the Star of David in the center of the Israeli flag, the number 59 has been stitched, symbolizing the number of hostages still held in captivity by the Hamas terrorist organization.
The display creators stress that the flag was designed to reflect the pain of the community and convey a clear message: there can be no true rebirth, no celebration of independence, while hostages remain in enemy hands.
"For us, Independence Day is not a holiday," said Ofer Gitai, head of the kibbutz's social division. "Not when our friends are still being held captive. Not when the families of the kibbutz are still unable to bury their loved ones in the soil of this land and close the circle of terror. We cannot recover until all the hostages are home. We must bring them back — now. The living to be rehabilitated, the dead to be buried."
Gitai added: "The number 59 at the heart of the flag is a cry. They're still there, and we're here, feeling their absence with every breath. That's why we're raising a flag today without a Star of David at its center, instead, we've placed the number 59, representing those held in captivity. The Star of David is a symbol of hope, of wholeness, of independence. But this year too, there is no independence, no wholeness. As for hope, we are fighting every day to hold on to it. We have no other choice. Our flag is wounded, just like our hearts."
A video of the display was released, underscoring the community's ongoing trauma and unwavering demand for the return of all hostages.
