Families of Israeli hostages in Gaza made a poignant statement during the celebration of Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, by leaving empty chairs at their dinner tables to symbolize the absence of their loved ones. The holiday, which began at sunset on Wednesday and ends at nightfall on Friday, has been clouded by the ongoing regional conflict, particularly as the first anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel approaches.
Amidst the festivities, some family members opted to hold an open-air banquet on Wednesday to both observe the holiday and advocate for the release of the hostages. It is estimated that around 100 individuals who were kidnapped by Hamas are still being held in Gaza, although the status of their well-being remains uncertain.