Special US envoy Steve Witkoff was met with applause during a central rally at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv, as hundreds of thousands gathered to show solidarity with the families of those still held hostage in Gaza.
Witkoff, joined on stage by Jared Kushner, the former White House senior advisor and son-in-law of US President Donald Trump, addressed an estimated crowd of 400,000, according to organizers. Both men appeared ahead of speeches by the families of hostages and former hostages , as part of a massive event demanding continued efforts to bring all hostages home.
"I dreamed of this night," Witkoff said as chants of "thank you Trump" rang out. "It's been a long journey. This is a powerful sight. I don't know how many people are out there, but it seems like more than 100,000 tonight. All our hearts beat as one here in Tel Aviv — for peace, for unity, for hope, in this sacred place we call Hostage Square. I wish the president were here. He would love this."
Witkoff praised Trump as "the greatest president the world has ever seen," drawing a warm response from the crowd.
"I wish the president were here. Thank you. We stand here tonight — Jews, Christians, Muslims, and people from all over the world — united in one shared prayer for peace. Tonight, we celebrate something extraordinary. A moment many thought was impossible," he said.
"But here we are, living proof that when courage meets conviction, miracles can happen. Peace born not from politics but from bravery, the bravery of those who refuse to give up on hope. Above all, I want to honor the people of Israel. Your strength, your resilience, your unshakable spirit. Through unspeakable pain and loss, you have carried the weight of hope on your shoulders for the entire world. You have prayed, endured, and shown that peace is not weakness, it is the highest form of strength."
The speech was briefly interrupted by loud booing from the crowd when Witkoff mentioned Netanyahu by name.
"To the families: you prayed through endless nights, never letting the world forget your loved ones. In doing so, you honored them. To the hostages themselves, our brothers and sisters, you are coming home. Your faces, names, and stories live in every heart here tonight and have lived in mine since I began this work."
"Your endurance, your faith, your will to live have become symbols of the human spirit that cannot be broken. And now, as you return to the embrace of your families and your nation, know that all of Israel and the entire world stand ready to welcome you home with open arms and infinite love."
"We remember the heroes and the innocent souls no longer with us, those taken from us on that horrific and tragic day, October 7, and those who have given their lives since, defending their freedom, their nation, this state of Israel, and peace. May their memory be a blessing. Their sacrifice will never be forgotten. From their courage, we draw our strength."
"This peace is their legacy. It is a promise that their lives will be remembered not only in sorrow, but as a beacon of hope for a future without fear. So in closing, I say: May God bless the souls of the fallen. May God bless the hostages and their families as they return home. May God bless the State of Israel. May God bless the United States of America. And may God bless Donald J. Trump, the greatest president the world has ever seen. Thank you."
