Rafaeli is a pensioner and has spent a large part of the last two years in a tent outside the Knesset in Jerusalem. The tent, which is decorated with posters that include ”end the fuc*!ng war”, has served as a reminder to elected politicians that they have a responsibility to bring home the remaining Israeli hostages.
After oscillating between hope and despair for two years and two days, he is almost struggling to take in today's message.
Right now I'm happy, just happy, but people here are also a bit nervous. We have been disappointed so many times before after failed negotiations.
Rafaeli knew Haim Perry, an Israeli artist from the kibbutz Nir Oz, who was taken hostage and declared dead in June 2024. His remains are still in Gaza.
We could have signed such an agreement a year and a half ago and avoided so much pointless killing. I am very sad for all those who have lost someone. I am also very sad for all the innocent Palestinians who have lost their lives, he says and emphasizes that he will not stop demonstrating at the tent outside the Knesset.
Our tent is not just for the hostages to come home. It is also for an investigation to be conducted so that our government can be held accountable for what happened on October 7. We must ensure that this never happens again.
