On the eve of the second anniversary of 7 October, Paris witnessed a poignant solidarity march for hostages still held by Hamas. Nearly 10,000 people took to the streets, responding to a call from the association Tous 7 Octobre, urging the release of the 48 remaining hostages in Gaza.
Families of hostages, relatives of victims, and citizens from all backgrounds joined together under an autumn sky, united in grief and hope.
Among them were the parents of Karine Journo, a young Franco-Israeli woman killed during the 7 October 2023 massacre, who commemorated their daughter’s memory “so that her name is never forgotten.”
Ophir, brother of Matan, a hostage in Gaza, described the overwhelming support: “We need France and international pressure to make this agreement happen.”
The march brought Jews, Christians, Muslims, and atheists together with a shared message: life must triumph over barbarity. As negotiations for a peace agreement continue in Cairo, demonstrators chanted “Free the hostages!” and carried photos, flags, and banners, many adorned with yellow ribbons symbolising Israeli hostages.
The procession began at 2 p.m. in Place de la République, a gathering that has become a weekly ritual over the past two years. Jean-David Ichay, president of Tous 7 Octobre, expressed hope that this would be the last such march: “We approach this demonstration with great hope, anticipating the release of the hostages.” Participants, including many young people and feminist collectives such as Women United for Peace, the UEJF, and ULJF, shared this optimism.
Many demonstrators expressed their belief that international pressure on Hamas, supported by American, Israeli, and regional actors, could finally bring hostages home and pave the way for peace. Sarah, a participant, emphasised: “We have always believed in peace, and we will continue to do so. The hostages must return to their families who have suffered so much.”
The march was followed in the evening by a ceremony at Salle Pleyel, organised by the CRIF, attended by over 2,000 people. The event combined tributes to victims, musical interludes, readings, and a minute of silence. Among the speakers were Yonathan Arfi, president of Crif, philosopher Raphaël Enthoven, singer Keren Ann, essayist Caroline Fourest, and TV presenter Arthur. Arfi highlighted the dual sense of gravity and hope as France marked the two-year anniversary of 7 October, calling for continued international pressure to secure the hostages’ release.
In Strasbourg, several hundred people gathered in parallel at the invitation of Jewish organisations, reading testimonies from hostages’ relatives and victims’ families. The gatherings reflected a determination to support the hostages, advocate for peace, and confront rising antisemitism in France.
