Israel Declares National Fast Day as Urgent Cry for Hostages Held in Gaza

Israel to Observe National Fast Day for Hostages Held Since October 7

President Isaac Herzog has urged Israel’s Chief Rabbis to declare a national day of fasting and prayer for the 53 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza, marking a somber call to action during a ceremony swearing in 28 new rabbinical judges at the President’s Residence in Jerusalem. “I call on you to mobilize, and I urge you to act with all your strength, first and foremost by proclaiming a nationwide day of fasting and prayer for our sisters and brothers held by murderers,” Herzog told the rabbis. He expressed hope that such measures could support diplomatic efforts, stating, “May it be God’s will that through such steps, also paving the way for the necessary diplomatic moves, our brothers and sisters soon go from distress to relief, from darkness to light, and from bondage to redemption.”

Sephardic Chief Rabbi David Yosef promptly accepted the request, saying, “We accept his request, the request of the President of the State. In the coming days, we will announce a day of prayer and outcry on behalf of all our brothers and sisters in distress and captivity, and for our soldiers on the battlefield.” He added, “May it be, with God’s help, that before we even carry this out, we will already hear and receive good news.” The announcement coincided with the 613th day since Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack, which killed 1,200 and saw 251 people taken hostage, a number symbolically tied to the 613 commandments in the Torah.

Herzog concluded with urgency, noting, “I wish to close with a prayer and a cry for our abducted brothers and sisters. These are turbulent, challenging, and sensitive days. Intensive negotiations have taken place in the past 24 hours. We must use every tool, every measure, and act with creativity, responsibility, and commitment to bring them home urgently. Every last one of them.” Of the original hostages, 148 have been freed through ceasefires, rescues, and releases, but Israeli intelligence estimates at least 30 of the remaining captives are deceased. Amid ongoing conflict, with over 52,000 reported deaths in Gaza, the fast day aims to unify Israel in prayer for the hostages’ safe return.