Israel Solidarity Rally – Christchurch

The bodies of six Israeli hostages held by Hamas and killed whilst in captivity, have been recovered from a tunnel in Khan Yunis. The six men had been confirmed as alive at various times since their capture from Israel by Islamic Hamas and Gazan civilians on October 7, 2023.

80 years of age; kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz together with his wife, Tamar. Tamar was released during the November temporary cease-fire.

Yoram was among the first to arrive at the newly liberated Western Wall in the ‘Six Day War’ of 1967.

Yoram is survived by three children and seven grandchildren.

79 years of age; kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz, along with his wife Ruti, his daughter Keren and grandson Ohad.

Avraham’s son, Roy, was murdered in the October 7 massacre.

Avraham was a courageous veteran of the 1967 ‘Six Day War’.

51 years of age; kidnapped from Kibbutz Nirim on October 7 together with Channah, his mother. Channah was released during the November temporary cease fire.

Nadav’s older brother, Roi, was murdered in his home on kibbutz, October 7.

Nadav is survived by his sister and mother.

80 years of age; kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz while protecting his wife.

Chaim was a volunteer for the non-profit ‘Road to Recovery’ driving sick Palestinians from Gaza to receive medical care in Israel.

Chaim is survived by five children and thirteen grandchildren.

79 years of age; kidnapped from Kibbutz Nir Oz.

Alexander, the son of Holocaust survivors, arrived in Israel at the age of nine.

Alexander was an Historian and Holocaust educator.

Alexander is survived by four children and thirteen grandchildren.

34 years of age; kidnapped from Kibbutz Nirim together with his wife, Rimon, who was released during the November temporary cease fire.

Yagev and Rimon shared a passion for rescuing abandoned and abused animals.

Yagev is survived by his wife, parents, and two siblings.

                          ‘MAY THEIR MEMORY FOREVER BE A BLESSING’

                                    We recall their faces and their names.

                                    We have taken them into our hearts.

                                    We have spoken prayers for their return.

                                    We shall weep for their loss.

                                    We shall weep for the heartache of their families.

                                    We shall never forget them.

It is for these men; the victims of October 7; the hostages still in captivity; the Israeli soldiers, and all their families, that we must stand up and speak out at the weekly ‘Israel Solidarity’ rallies.

Despite the freezing cold and heavy rain last Sunday, many of you gathered and I thank you sincerely for knowing where your feet and voices belonged that day.

Please, join us as we gather to be a voice for the precious victims of ‘Black Saturday’.

Attached is a poster with the details – please, if you are able, share this message.