When Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, the state was experiencing its most severe political conflict since its establishment. Many saw the right-wing government's attempts to overhaul the judicial system as an effort to dismantle Israeli democracy, sparking weekly mass protests.
However, the hopes for solidarity soon faded. The hostages quickly went from a symbol of national resolve and unity to a symbol of the country's preexisting divides.
On the international stage, the image of the hostages has been employed to justify Israel's devastation of the Gaza Strip - and now its military operations in Lebanon.
Most advocacy efforts for the hostages are channeled through the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a volunteer-based organization that focuses on 'bringing home' all missing persons.
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