Nationwide Hostage Strikes Impact Israeli Theaters

Sunday’s nationwide strike for the return of Israel’s hostages is affecting the country’s economy and cultural institutions alike, including some of the nation’s most prominent theaters. The demonstration, organized in solidarity with the families of the ones that still remain in Gaza, has prompted several leading venues to cancel performances scheduled for today.

The Habima National Theatre announced the cancellation of evening shows, including The Spanish Orchard, The Gigolo from Congo, and Something Good. Joining them, the Cameri Theatre also suspended performances of The Indian Patient, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Divorced.

Meanwhile, Tzavta Theatre confirmed that all its staff would be given the day off without charge, canceling all in-house productions (excluding external performances).

The strike reflects a broader call for action and awareness, emphasizing the urgency of bringing the 50 remaining hostages home. Israeli musician Ivri Lider shared his thoughts on the protest via social media:

“Today we stop, not for ceremony, not for symbolism. We stop because this country is bleeding. This is not ‘together with them’, this is all of us as one family. Wounded. Broken. Screaming. We are not asking. We are demanding. They must return, now. All of them. At any cost. Alive or dead. It is not the families’ duty alone, it is our duty as a nation. We will bring them home and bow our heads before them. We will not be ashamed.”

Lider stressed the critical nature of the moment:

“The clock is ticking. Every minute that passes without their return is unbearable. Every second the government delays is a crime. We will not settle for slogans. We will not remain silent. Until they come home, we are all held captive.”