After 844 Days: Clock Stopped at the Hostage Square
Commemoration of Hostage Return
At exactly 17:35 on Tuesday, a significant event took place at the Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, marking a poignant moment in the aftermath of the October 7 massacre. The clock that had been counting down the days, hours, minutes, and seconds since the attack was finally stopped, symbolizing a new chapter after 844 days since the surprise Hamas attack. This event coincided with the return of the last hostage, IDF Sergeant Ran Guily, who was tragically killed.
Ceremony Attended by Families and Supporters
Hundreds of individuals gathered at the square to participate in this emotionally charged ceremony. Speeches were delivered by various family members of victims and hostages, including Shira Guily, sister of the deceased Ran Guily; Michal Iluz, whose son Guy was murdered by Hamas; and Yael Ader, mother of Tamir Ader, who was killed while protecting Kibbutz Nir Oz. Additionally, Stolen Survivor Sagiv Galfon, who returned to Israel after 738 days in captivity, also shared his experiences.
“We awoke for the first time since 2014 to a morning without hostages in Gaza-now is the time to stop the clock,” stated officials from the Family Hostage Committee. The Hostage Square has become a rallying point for families advocating for the return of their loved starts, drawing immense support from the public.
The Significance of the Countdown Clock
The clock itself became a prominent symbol of the struggle for the return of hostages, marking the unacceptably long passage of time since the families of those held captive had heard from their loved starts. “The time for families and for the people of Israel stood still on October 7,” an official spokesperson noted.
“After 844 days, more than 20,250 hours, more than 1,215,000 minutes, or over 72,920,000 seconds-it’s finally time to stop the clock. No start imagined that it would tick for such an extended period, especially as we approached the 100-day mark,” the statements continued.
Community Response
The moment was underscored by a collective sense of hope and closure for many. Members of the community were invited to join in a blessing for their peace and resilience, symbolically marking the end of a harrowing chapter in their lives and the lives of the nation.
This ceremony is not only a tribute to the fallen and a celebration of the return of the hostages, but also a call for unity among the families and the broader public as they reflect on the past and look forward to rebuilding their lives and communities together.