Freed hostages open Fashion Week in Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv Fashion Week commenced on Sunday night after a two-year hiatus due to the war, with several captivity survivors and their family members being the first to stride down the runway.

Dani Miran, father of Omri Miran, who was recently released from captivity in Gaza, Rotem Sharabi, the niece of freed hostage Eli Sharabi, and Keren Sherf Shem, the mother of Mia Shem, who was returned from Gaza in November 2023, took to the runway to a song performed by Israeli singer Shiri Mimon, accompanied by the Israeli Opera Chorus.

The exhibit was named “Until the Last Hostage,” according to outlet Ynet.

Michal Herzog, wife of Israeli President Issac Herzog, attended the event that was held at 7 Kremenetski St., Tel Aviv.

Tweeting from her husband’s account the following day, she wrote: “Last night was a celebration of Israeli culture in all its shades, which gave everyone a place together on one runway—and reminded us that we are all one human fabric.

“Israeli fashion is our face. It is an expression of exceptional Israeli talent, a reflection of creativity and originality, a diversity of colors and styles, and above all, it is the most esteemed ambassador of Israel in the big world. We are proud of our fashion, and above all—of the talented women and men behind it.”

This week’s event marks Fashion Week’s 60th anniversary. Israel’s first Fashion Week was founded by the Israel Export Institute in 1965 and held at the Sheraton Tel Aviv Hotel.

Fashion Week ceased to take place during the First Intifada in the late ‘80s, and was revived in 2011 by producer and fashion specialist Motty Reif.