Suspect arrested after security threat breaks up hostage family candle-lighting ceremony

The candle-lighting ceremony was then reportedly moved to a different location after the threat.

 Police disperse hostage protest after security threat December 25, 2024 (photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)
Police disperse hostage protest after security threat December 25, 2024
(photo credit: AVSHALOM SASSONI/MAARIV)

Israel's police dispersed a candle-lighting ceremony held by families of hostages in Tel Aviv due to security concerns Wednesday evening.

The suspect was detained following a police investigation and search of the area, Israel Police announced. 

The candle-lighting ceremony was then moved to a different location after the threat, at Beit Ariela, near the Tel Aviv Museum of Art, the Hostage and Missing Families Forum said in a statement.

At Beit Ariela, Shira Albag, hostage Liri Albag's mother, lit the first candle and was joined by all participants in a prayer for the return of the hostages.

"We will not let the light be extinguished. We must light the first candle and move forward with the deal. Let each candle light the next until all our light is restored with the return of the 100 hostages home through the deal," Shai Dickman, cousin of killed former hostage Carmel Gat said. 

 Shira Albag, mother of hostage Liri Albag, pleads with officers to allow the protest to continue undisturbed, December 25, 2024 (credit: ROI BOSHI)
Shira Albag, mother of hostage Liri Albag, pleads with officers to allow the protest to continue undisturbed, December 25, 2024 (credit: ROI BOSHI)

Earlier in the day, police attempted to break up an additional protest calling for the return of the hostages, which took place in front of the Kirya in Tel Aviv.

Pleading officer to continue protest 

Police issued fines to Shift 101 protesters for blocking the road, the Hostage Family Forum said. 

It also added that Shira Albag, mother of hostage Liri Albag, pleaded with the officers to allow the protest to continue undistributed.