(live here) – Last week, a protest camp was set up in Haifa demanding the return of the abductees, initiated by activists from the Hashomer Hatzair movement, other youth movements, and preparatory schools. The camp, which was set up behind the Ariel Bakery on Horev Street in the city, joins similar initiatives in Tel Aviv and other cities, and calls on the government to act to return the abductees through a deal and not through renewed fighting in Gaza. The activists report broad support from the public and continue to hold activities and demonstrations there throughout the week.
The initiative to establish the encampment: a visit to Tel Aviv and a decision to operate in Haifa
The coordinator of Hashomer Hatzair in Haifa, Yarden Shefner, says that the idea to establish the camp was born after a visit by several members of the movement to the protest camp on Begin Boulevard in Tel Aviv. During their stay there, they spoke with the families of the abductees and learned firsthand about their struggle. "We stayed overnight in the camp, and in the morning we saw the reports on the news about the government's decision to resume fighting in Gaza. There was something very jarring about this experience – being in a place dedicated to the struggle for the return of the abductees, and at the same time seeing the government choose a path that distances the solution," he says. "We felt we had to do something."
Following this, the activists turned to other youth movements, preparatory schools, the "Haifa People's Protest" and the headquarters of the families of the kidnapped in Haifa, and began organizing the encampment in the city. "The mobilization was very impressive, and within a few days we were on our way," adds Schaffner.
Setting up the camp: broad support and daily activities
Last Sunday, 23/3/25, the activists began setting up the camp. In the evening, a conversation was held with Carmit Palti Katzir, a relative of one of the abductees, and then dozens of participants stayed overnight in the area. "We were surprised by the number of people who came," says Schaffner. "We had no idea what to expect, and suddenly there were close to 100 people there."
The encampment continues to operate even now, in the days that follow, and every evening there are talks and discussions with public figures and families of the abductees. For example, yesterday evening (Monday, 24/3/25) a conversation was held with Boaz Zalmanovitz, another representative of the abductees' families. "We plan to stay at least until Thursday, and during the week we will decide whether to continue," notes Schaffner.
Widespread support alongside isolated objections
According to the activists, most of the reactions they receive from the public are positive. "People bring us sleeping gear, food, musical instruments and express support," says Schaffner. "Someone brought us a pot of hot soup, others bought us food from the Ariel Bakery. People want to help." However, he admits that there have also been some hostile reactions: "A few came to shout and get angry, but it's not something that destabilizes us."
Municipality support and logistical assistance
Schaffner praises the Haifa municipality, which provided the activists with significant logistical support. "They helped us get permits, helped us take care of electricity and water. We appreciate it very much," he says.
An atmosphere of hope and determination
According to Schaffner, the camp is succeeding in creating change, even if not immediately. "Our reality is very difficult. It's easy to feel discouraged, to sit at home and watch the news without knowing how to act," he explains. "But here at the camp there's a sense of partnership. People come, meet, talk, and feel like they're part of something bigger."
He adds that the encampment is not acting in isolation, but as part of a broader protest taking place in other cities. "These initiatives put pressure on the government and show that there is a large public that supports the return of the abductees through a deal. I believe this gives a boost to the gatekeepers who are working against the abandonment of the abductees and to protect Israeli democracy."
Camp activity routine
During the day, the camp is staffed mainly to maintain the equipment, but the bulk of the activity takes place in the afternoon and evening. "We invite schools to come and hold classes with us," says Schaffner. "It's a way to bring more people into the conversation and expand the community's involvement."
Calling on the public to join and support the fight
Schaffner concludes his remarks with an appeal to the public: "We need everyone's support. We would be happy if as many people as possible would come, spend time with us in the camp, spend the night here and give us the strength to continue. This is a struggle for all of us."
God will save us.
Children, you idiots... sit quietly and let the adults deal with the war.
Instead of saying thank you for our soldiers buying you peace, go to youth movements,
You are protesting.
We need to check who is putting money into these youth movements.
Their entire demonstration is to overthrow the government. They don't come to the demonstrations because the people have learned that they are being exploited to overthrow the government. It has been proven that the masses have come to support them. The left immediately speaks at the demonstration against Bibi, who is the man, and not like that. We have learned that the demonstration is not for the families of the kidnapped, they are exploiting the difficult situation of the families. It has been proven when the army pressures Hamas. They come in and threaten them. Two weeks ago they finally stopped providing them with aid. Two weeks have passed since the decision. Brother, aid, and today I see that the Gazans are coming out against Hamas. My heart goes out to the families of the kidnapped and every kidnapped person is dear to me and my heart goes out to them. I wish that everyone will be freed!
Twisted rhetoric that tries to justify further killings of prisoners and hostages in bombings. The current government killed many of them in the "Hannibal Procedure," and dozens more in the adventure of seeking "total victory," but the only thing that is certain is their bodies – and the tens of thousands of Gazans who died alongside them, including nearly 20,000 children.
I am not one of the initiators of the camp and I am not participating in it, but your response is shameful.
The families have the right to say and do everything to return their loved ones. No one can judge or say that they would not have acted in this way in their place, and they must be supported and strengthened in every possible legal way.
At the same time, political and military leaders have a responsibility towards an entire state and country, and they are the ones who need to make informed decisions not only to deter the enemy but to establish a clear rule for both this enemy and other enemies that the way he acted to achieve his goal will bring about his end.
True. We won't all be kidnapped. But our hearts are with the kidnapped and God willing, the pressure on Hamas will get them out of there.
Dear Jordan! I am very proud of you.
Hoping that the protests, sit-ins, and strikes will succeed in bringing about the change that we so long for and expect.
Who will give it to him?
With love!!!
Without any direct connection to the article, I read over and over again the hateful words of the B.B.I.s against the left. Traitors, anarchists, dodgers. What not. Some go so far as to accuse them of massacre.
Get a grip on yourself and grow a brain. Not everyone who doesn't identify with you is a traitor who is against Israel.