Tel Aviv — Is the Peace really here? Tens of thousands gathered Saturday night in Tel Aviv for a large-scale peace rally that brought together Israelis and international figures in a show of unity, one year after the October 7 attacks. Real estate developer Steve Witcoff, former White House adviser Jared Kushner, and Ivanka Trump headlined the event, addressing an emotional crowd that filled Rabin Square with songs, flags, and calls for remembrance and peace.
The evening began with a moment of silence for the hostages still missing and for those who lost their lives in the Hamas attacks last year. Families of victims and rescue workers stood together on stage, joined by Israeli soldiers, as screens projected names and photos of the fallen. Candles and blue-white lights illuminated the square, turning it into a symbol of grief and endurance.
Witcoff, a longtime supporter of Israel, opened his remarks by praising the courage of ordinary Israelis who “refused to lose faith in the face of tragedy.” He emphasized that the rally’s purpose was not political but deeply human, calling the gathering “a testament to resilience, faith, and the unbreakable bond between Israel and those who stand for peace.”
Kushner, who helped broker the Abraham Accords during his time in the Trump administration, spoke next, urging continued dialogue and regional cooperation. “Peace is not achieved overnight,” he said, “but it begins with the courage to see beyond hatred—to build bridges that prevent another October 7.” His comments drew prolonged applause and chants of “shalom” from the crowd.
Ivanka Trump concluded the evening with personal reflection, expressing solidarity with the bereaved families and admiration for the strength of Israeli women leading community rebuilding efforts. “Israel’s heart beats with hope,” she said. “Through unity, prayer, and compassion, we can light the path forward—together.”
The event, organized with support from local humanitarian groups and international Jewish organizations, was described by Israeli officials as one of the most significant peace demonstrations since the immediate aftermath of last year’s war. Many attendees traveled from across the country to participate, seeing the rally as both memorial and renewal.
Crowds waved Israeli and American flags while musicians performed songs of peace and faith. Some participants held signs calling for the safe return of remaining hostages, while others displayed artwork and handwritten messages advocating coexistence.
President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not attend but sent recorded messages praising the participants for “honoring the memory of the fallen through unity and moral strength.”
For many in attendance, the rally offered a rare sense of optimism amid ongoing regional uncertainty. As the night concluded, the audience joined in a collective prayer for healing and the release of all captives—marking what organizers called “a historic moment of hope, courage, and shared humanity” in Tel Aviv’s heart.
