Israelis mark hostage Naama Levy's 20th birthday with nationwide protests

Yesterday (Saturday), thousands of Israelis gathered across the country to commemorate the 20th birthday of Naama Levy, who has been held captive in Gaza for 260 days. The demonstrations, which took place in multiple cities including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, and Caesarea, highlighted the ongoing plight of the 116 hostages still held by Hamas.

As reorted by CNN, in Tel Aviv's Hostages Square, Levy's parents, Ayelet Levy Shachar and Yoni Levy, addressed a large crowd. "I wish for you the most basic right that you deserve as a human being – your freedom," Ayelet said, hoping her words might reach her daughter. Yoni Levy, Naama's father, addressed the crowd. "This year, candy is tasteless and there's no desire for gifts," he said, his voice heavy with emotion. He recalled past birthdays, contrasting the joy of those occasions with the current reality: "Instead, you're there. In darkness. For 260 days already."

The gathering in Tel Aviv was one of many across Israel. In Jerusalem, Herzliya, Be'er Sheva, and other locations, families of hostages joined protesters waving Israeli flags and holding signs with images of those still captive. Chants of "Alive! Alive! And not in body bags!" and "Hostage deal now!" echoed through the streets.

Many demonstrators also called for early elections, expressing dissatisfaction with the current government's handling of the hostage situation. In Caesarea, protesters directed their frustration at leadership, chanting, "You're the leader, you're guilty!"

Former war cabinet member Benny Gantz participated in a rally in Kiryat Gat, joining members of Kibbutz Nir Oz, one of the communities heavily impacted by the October 7 Hamas attack.

The protests come as concerns grow for the remaining hostages. A senior Hamas official recently told CNN that "no one has an idea" how many of them are still alive, adding urgency to the calls for a deal.

Yoni Levy addressed this directly in his speech, stating, "We all understand that 120 hostages cannot be returned through military operations. We must honestly say – 120 hostages will only return home through a deal."

As night fell on Israel, the birthday candles for Naama Levy remained unlit, but the determination of her family and supporters to see her and all the hostages returned home burned brightly across the nation.