WATCH THE LIVESTREAM

DATE: Tuesday, February 18
TIME: 7:00 pm
LOCATION: Washington Hebrew Congregation, 3935 Macomb St. NW, Washington, DC
ACCESSIBILITY: ASL interpretation (in-person) and live captions (live stream) will be provided

NOTE: Registration is helpful for our planning purposes but is NOT required to attend.

We gather as a community to mark 500 heartbreaking days since hostages were taken in Israel. Their families and loved ones have endured unimaginable pain, clinging to hope amidst uncertainty. This solemn occasion calls us to unite in solidarity, compassion, prayer, and action. Together, we will honor the resilience of those still held captive, uplift their families, and renew our collective call for their immediate and safe return. Through shared reflection and faith, we affirm that every life is precious and that light can pierce even the darkest of nights.

The following guests are scheduled to speak:

Noa Argamani, rescued by the IDF in June 2024. Her boyfriend, Avinatan Or, remains a hostage.

Ilana Gritzewsky, released during a temporary truce in November 2023. Her boyfriend, Matan Zangauker, remains a hostage.

Gal Gilboa-Dalal (R) and Ilay David. Their brothers, Guy Gilboa-Dalal and Evyatar David, were kidnapped by Hamas during the Nova music festival and are still being held captive.

Moshe Lavi, brother-in-law to Omri Miran, who remains a hostage.

While centered on the Jewish community, the event will also actively welcome allies and partners to join in this national prayer session and stand as one. Most importantly, we want to give strength to our leaders and encourage them to keep their promise to pursue the release of the hostages until all of them are back home. Let your voice be heard in songs of hope, prayers for strength, and calls for justice. Together, we send a powerful message: the world has not forgotten. Your presence matters — because hope grows when we stand together. #BringThemHomeNow

Parking is limited at WHC, but street parking is available. We recommend arriving early, carpooling, or taking taxi/rideshare to the event.

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