A new campaign to free the hostages was launched on Wednesday across various bus stations in Washington, DC. It is being organized by Israel’s National Public Diplomacy Bureau and the Government Advertising Office (Lapam).
The campaign features the image of Kfir Bibas, a child held captive by Hamas. It is aimed at raising awareness ahead of the hearing in The Hague against Israel on Thursday and Friday.
The campaign showcases a poignant message alongside Kfir’s image: “Waiting for the bus home for 100 days,” a stark reminder of the duration of the hostages’ captivity.
“The primary message of our campaign is to underscore the inherent right of every child to return to a safe home,” a representative of the campaign said. “We are emphasizing the urgency in the situation of Kfir and others who have been in captivity for over 100 days.”
Part of a larger strategy to draw attention to the hostages
The initiative in Washington is part of a larger, multifaceted strategy that includes a delegation of families of hostages and victims who are set to meet senior diplomats in The Hague. It is being organized by the Captives and Missing Persons Authority and the Defense and Foreign ministries.
The National Public Diplomacy Bureau has produced a short film that chronicles the hostages’ ordeal. This film will be presented as evidence in the trial. A procession in The Hague, organized by the Foreign Ministry and the Israeli embassy, will be aimed at drawing support from Jewish communities and pro-Israel activists across Europe.
Another element of the campaign is the outdoor signage campaign titled, “He cannot testify today,” which is scheduled for launch in The Hague.
As the campaign gained traction among Washington residents, its producers stressed the importance of international awareness and support.
“Our goal is to bring this critical issue into the global spotlight,” the representative said. “It’s about amplifying a message of humanity and the urgency for action.”
Moshe Aviv, head of the National Public Diplomacy Bureau, said: “These efforts are pivotal in bringing the dire situation of these hostages to the global stage. We are calling for the world’s attention to help bring our people back home.”