(haipo) – On Thursday (27.03.25) evening, dozens of residents of Kiryat Bialik and the surrounding area gathered in the city’s central park, carrying flags and pictures of Matan Engerst, the kidnapped soldier. The event, which has become a weekly tradition since Engerst’s kidnapping 538 days ago, expresses the community’s strength and the clear demand: to return the kidnapped soldiers home – and at the first opportunity.
The demonstration of support has continued every week for over a year and a half.
Dozens of residents of Kiryat Bialik, neighboring Kiryat HaSharon, and even more distant communities, arrived last Thursday, March 27.3, at 19:00 PM at the municipal park and at the Tzabar intersection in the city – for a demonstration of support for the Engerst family. Matan Engerst, an outstanding fighter who was kidnapped from the Nahal Oz position while wounded and unconscious, has been in Hamas captivity for nearly a year and a half.
The public response continues even now, with new participants joining the circle of support every week. Family members, friends, neighbors, and citizens who don't know Matan personally - all come forward to strengthen his family and express a firm moral stance.
The grass in the park was filled with flags, signs, and pictures of Matan.
In the center of the park, the family stood surrounded by a warm circle of residents who carried signs reading “Waiting for Matan,” alongside pictures of the soldier. Israeli flags waved in the cool evening breeze, and a sense of solidarity enveloped the event. Children, teenagers, adults, and the elderly – all flocked to the site to take part in the effort to return Matan and his kidnapped friends.
“We don’t have the privilege to forget,” said one participant, “it’s our job as a society.”
Ofir, Matan Engerst's brother: "Your presence gives us the strength to continue"
Ofir, Matan’s brother, addressed the attendees and asked them to continue coming to the weekly meetings. “The family really appreciates it,” he said, “and the strength of a supportive community is a tremendous thing. We feel it all the time.”
Ofir added that public support helps to endure the unimaginable routine of constant anxiety and worry. “Don’t stop coming,” he said excitedly, “until Shaman and all the kidnapped are home.”
Hagai, the father of the family: “Bringing the boys home is a basic demand”
Hagai Engerst, Matan’s father, emphasized in his remarks the serious injuries his son sustained during the kidnapping, and noted the urgency of his return. “Matan was not only kidnapped – he is injured, he is unconscious. This is a humanitarian emergency,” he said.
He said that every citizen of the country must demand the return of the kidnapped, especially those whose medical condition is life-threatening. “This is not a political demand, it is a moral demand – to bring the boys home,” he concluded.
Eli Dokorsky, Mayor of Kiryat Bialik: “The entire city is united for the Engerst family”
Kiryat Bialik Mayor Eli Dokorsky was also present at the meeting, and expressed deep appreciation to the city’s residents for their continued support for the Engerst family. “The human warmth you are giving the family is exemplary,” he said.
Dokorski also emphasized the need to act immediately to release Matan, with a clear call to decision-makers: “We expect decision-makers to bring Matan and his friends into the first phase of release.”
Itay, childhood friend: “Our dream is to travel together after the army”
Itai, a childhood friend of Matan, shared with the audience memories of his military service and plans for the future. “We always talked about the big trip after the liberation,” he said, “It was our dream.”
He added that he looks forward to the day when the two can embark on the journey they planned together – “When he returns, we will set off.”
More events are expected in the coming weeks in the city.
The weekly gathering is not the only event: on Friday, April 4, the city of Kiryat Bialik will hold a special sports day in several locations, under the title “Waiting for Matan and his kidnapped friends.”
The municipality is calling on residents to take part in the event, which aims to raise awareness of the plight of the kidnapped and encourage continued support for the families.
Invitation to continue participation – every Thursday at the Tzabar intersection
The organizers invite the general public to come every Thursday at 19:00 PM to the Tzabar Intersection and be part of the fight to return the kidnapped. “Your presence is significant,” the family’s official statement reads, “Together – we will bring Matan home.”
With the arrival of Passover – the holiday of freedom, everyone's great hope is to sit around the Seder table when the kidnapped are already free.
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