Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which represents the relatives of those taken captive by Hamas on Oct. 7, has called on Jews around the world to join its “Global Day of Unity and Prayer” for the return of all hostages and missing persons on Wednesday.
“This Wednesday, Oct. 25, we will unite in solidarity to join in prayer for the safe and swift return of the hostages home to their families and in good health,” announced the forum, which organized the event together with the Aish HaTorah Jewish outreach group.
At 6:30 p.m. local time (11:30 a.m. E.T.), representatives of the families and prominent Israeli rabbis will gather for a prayer rally on the rooftop of the Aish World Center in Jerusalem’s Old City, which overlooks Judaism’s holiest site, the Temple Mount.
The ceremony will be broadcast live on YouTube, Aish said, urging people worldwide to read Psalms 121 and 130, as well as the “Prayer for the Safety of the Hostages and Missing Persons.”
Hamas terrorists killed at least 1,400 Israelis and wounded more than 5,000 in a massive offensive launched from the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, which included the firing of thousands of rockets at Israel and the infiltration of the Jewish state by terrorist forces.
At least 222 people were taken to Gaza as hostages, according to the Israel Defense Forces.
On Thursday, Oct. 19, a first prayer session was held at the Western Wall for the safe return of hostages held in Gaza, as well as for the success of the IDF and Israeli security forces in the war against Hamas.
Avichai Brodtz, whose wife and three children were abducted and taken to Gaza, and Shmuel Rabinowitz, the rabbi of the Western Wall, participated in the event, which included the recitation of Psalms and prayers for the IDF’s welfare.
