Israel to hold 450 meetings featuring former hostages — Jerusalem Post

At the beginning of October, 450 meetings will be held in Israel as part of the Salon Otef initiative. Its participants, including former hostage Omri Miran, will speak about what they experienced on and after October 7. Thousands of people are expected to attend the events, the Jerusalem Post reports.

Personal testimonies and discussion

Salon Otef is organized by the 255 association, which represents hostages and their families. Speakers at the meetings will include released hostages, relatives of living and deceased hostages, people who survived the events of October 7, family members of those killed, as well as representatives of security forces and rescue services.

The meetings will be held in private homes and communities across the country, as well as at companies, organizations, public spaces and other locations. The format includes a personal account followed by an open discussion. Some events will also include singing and live music.

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Omri Miran's participation

Omri Miran, who was released from Gaza after 738 days in captivity, called sharing such testimonies an exceptionally important national and life mission. According to him, understanding what happened on October 7 and what the hostages and their families went through is possible by hearing direct accounts from people who experienced it.

This year's meetings will also address loss, rehabilitation, returning home and rebuilding. The Salon Otef initiative was first held in 2024, one year after the events of October 7, and has since been organized annually around the anniversary period.