The difficult hours in Jerusalem have once again turned the Hostages Protest from a national rallying cry into a local drama tearing through the city itself. Jerusalem is known as a conservative, right-wing stronghold loyal to Netanyahu, yet it also contains a liberal, secular minority that once sympathized with the protest. Now, with cars burned and families evacuated, both camps seem to be uniting around exhaustion and growing anger
Cars Burned in Rehavia and Givat Ram
In the neighborhoods of Rehavia and Givat Ram, trash bins and tires were set ablaze. The flames spread to nearby parked vehicles, forcing families to evacuate their homes. Fire and police units managed to control the blaze, but the shock among residents remains
These images quickly became a symbol — no longer just a protest, but a confrontation shaking the city from within
Residents’ Anger at the Hostages Protest
“I always supported the protest, but now I am furious. This is no longer a struggle, it is the burning of our lives. People are playing with fire — and they shall not return claiming this is for all of us, because it has turned into recklessness,” said a resident of Givat Ram who was forced to evacuate
In Rehavia, frustration echoed: “I want the hostages back, but it cannot be that every commute to work becomes a nightmare. The city cannot keep paying this price again and again,” said one local
These voices show how a protest born to unify is now splitting the city
Testimony From a Burned Car in Jerusalem
Among the harsh testimonies was one that stood out
“My husband is going to reserve duty next week and now I am left with a burned car. Three child seats inside were destroyed. People were physically taken out of their homes because of the danger. This has nothing to do with being for or against the protest — it is a danger to life. I want the hostages back, but my car was burned
Her story underlines how even those firmly supporting the demand for the hostages’ return feel they are paying a personal price
And the Liberal Minority in Jerusalem Breaks as Well
From here the broader picture becomes clear: Jerusalem’s conservative majority is turning against the protest, and now the liberal-secular minority is breaking as well. Both camps are finding common ground in fatigue and anger
Instead of building consensus, the Hostages Protest has created a new turning point: Jerusalem is turning against itself, and its residents are losing patience
