Israeli Hostage Release Celebrations
Tel Aviv Hostage Release Celebrations Oct 9 - 13, 2025.
These images were taken between October 9, 2025 - the day the deal to release the remaining Israeli hostages was announced - and October 13, 2025 - the day the hostages were released - in and around Tel Aviv’s Hostages Square, an encampment in a public plaza established by families of Israeli hostages following the October 7th Hamas attacks and kidnappings.
Family members were joined by friends, supporters, activists, and the world’s press upon the announcement, all showing up for the next 5 days to support the families and celebrate the end of their two year ordeal. Included are photos of hostage family members being interviewed by the press, and speaking to the gathered supporters.
In the final images of the series on October 13th, crowds watch a large video screen showing alternatively Donald Trump’s visit to Israel, and scenes of the release of each of the 20 hostages throughout the day.
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
