"Save them, and the country": the ceremony of "turning off the beacons" of families of abductees

Einav Tsengauker speaking at a ceremony in Shuni: "We will serve as the guiding light for our community." (Photo: Nahum Segal)

 

Families of abductees, bereaved relatives, and survivors of the 7/10 massacre organized an alternative ceremony of "extinguishing the beacons" at the Shuni Amphitheater in Binyamina. Adjacent to the "Beacon of Desolation" and the "Beacon of Arrogance," Matan Tsengaoker's mother ignited the "Beacon of Hope," expressing, "We have a nation; our country has been taken captive." Simultaneously, crowds gathered at the independence rally held by the abductees' families headquarters.

This evening (Monday), families of abductees and activists organized an alternative gathering to the beacon ceremony, which symbolizes the shift from Memorial Day to Independence Day, at Amphi Shoni in Binyamina. The event, titled "Extinguishing Beacons and Illuminating Hope," served as a protest against the government's approach to the beacon ceremony. Participants included relatives of abductees, bereaved families, survivors of the October 7 massacre, evacuees, and members of the public. The ceremony was broadcast live by ynet.

Galit Dan Manir Oz, grieving mother of Noya and Carmela, who tragically lost their lives in the kibbutz, alongside three family members abducted, extinguished the "Security Breach Beacon." "With a heart shattered, I extinguish this beacon due to the utter disregard for our safety," she declared. "It is my government responsible for this tragedy. They fostered an illusion of security that shattered. We lived under the false belief of protection by the army. We were wrong! It was fake security! Nobody cared."

Lior and Amos Alon, survivors from Bari, turned off the "Beacon of Surrounding Settlements' Desolation." "Though difficult, we douse the fire of desolation, claiming many lives and threatening those in captivity," they expressed.

Yasmin Porat, present at Bari's events, turned off the "Beacon of Shattered Homeland." "My sense of security collapsed. I was held hostage, yet no rescue came," she recounted. "I extinguish this beacon for my children, parents, war victims, Otaf residents, and Israel's awakening."

Eyal Eshel, father of Roni Eshel lost in Nahal Oz, extinguished the "Beacon of Arrogance." "This arrogance of the political and military system ends tonight," he asserted, calling for Israel's awakening.

Others followed suit, each symbolically dousing a beacon, representing various grievances and calls for change, including the neglect of mental health, erosion of reserve families, and the loss of personal security for women. Einav Tsengaoker then lit the "Beacon of Hope," symbolizing resilience and the relentless fight for the return of her son Matan and others held captive. 

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