Yellow ribbons of solidarity with Israeli hostages in Gaza rubbed shoulders with colorful spectacles at the Tel Aviv drag festival that opened this week, days after a ceasefire sparked hope of a return of the captives.
The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the Gaza militant group, came into effect on Sunday. The first three hostages were released in exchange for 90 Palestinian prisoners. Around thirty other hostages, out of the 94 who remain in the enclave, are expected to be released over the next five weeks.
“I think we can continue to live, to continue to celebrate,” said the show’s host, Kimberly Swan. “But the most important thing right now in our country is to bring our hostages home.
The Gaza war was sparked by the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 people dead and 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. It was the deadliest day in the country and the pain it inflicted on Israelis continues.
“It always feels like there’s something missing,” said artist Joanna Russ. “As if our brothers and sisters were not by our side.
-The Israeli offensive in Gaza, which has lasted for 15 months, has killed more than 47,000 Palestinians, according to health authorities, and devastated the enclave. Israel has faced intense international criticism, including from artists around the world, for its campaign.
Some artists at the Tel Aviv festival said they hoped to reconnect with cross-dressing artists abroad.
“We’re here to say we miss the queens and we hope they don’t stigmatize us,” Nona Chalant said.
Belgium
