Israeli Hostage Release Celebrations (Copy)
Tel Aviv Hostage Release Celebrations
On October 9, 2025 the world learned that a deal had been made with Hamas to release the last 20 living Israeli hostages held captive since the attack and kidnappings of October 7, 2023.
These images were taken between that announcement day and the release day of October 13, 2025, in and around Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square - an encampment in a public plaza established by families of Israeli hostages following the October 7th attack.
Upon the deal announcement, hostage family members were joined for the next 5 days in Hostages Square by friends, supporters, activists, and the world’s press to gather and celebrate the end of their two year ordeal.
In the final images of the series, crowds on October 13th watch a large video screen showing each hostage’s release throughout the day and alternatively - Donald Trump’s visit to Israel.
I was in Tel Aviv by pure chance when the deal was announced. I grabbed my camera and spent the next 5 days at Hostages Square shooting photos and videos of the historic events happening around me.
A note: There is no political intention here - only a storytelling one.
John Greenleigh
