Empty Shabbat Table For The Return Of The Hostages Taken By Hamas
How To Enact Your Community/Institution Table
Background
On October 7th, 2023, the extremist Hamas terrorist organization launches an atrocious attack on Israel. During the attacked it slaughtered over 1,300 people, destroyed whole communities, while conducting acts against humanity such as rape, beheading babies and execution of elders and people with special needs. During the attack Hamas kidnapped into Gaza over 200 people as hostages. Among these are children, babies, men and women, of all ages. The oldest is 85 years old, the youngest a baby of 8 months old.
Soon after the attack when the catastrophic numbers were published and families were notified of their loved ones missing, the families organized a volunteer based HQ. Worried the war between Israel and Hamas will leave the hostages unattended, they started a global campaign advocating for the immediate release of the hostages.
The Empty Shabbat Table was enacted by Darkenu, as part of its support in the HQ. It symbolizes the emptiness each family shares, when on the most communal day, families all over the country gather each Friday for dinner, no matter their religion. This is a special moment, a shared experience ruined by Hamas actions for hundreds of families. The vastness of the table, with empty chairs for adults and babies, materializes the despair and longing each family feels when sitting at its own table.
We call communities worldwide to create similar tables, sending a message to all humanity - remember!
Remember that Hamas kidnapped innocent people.
Remember that Hamas atrocities ruined communities.
Do not legitimize the horrors it inflicted on families of all backgrounds, races and religions.
Help us stand in solidarity with the families, and support their struggle to bring their loved ones home.
How To Enact A Table
General:
40 Meters long table, on each side 102 chairs. The table needs to be clothed, with white map, and arranged for a seating of 203 people. On each chair there is a poster symbolizing the hostage.
Requirements:
- 20 rectangular tables, each can sit 10 people on each side. Standard height. Material: Wood with iron/plastic legs. Usually used by catering companies.
- 203 white sitting chairs.
- 5-30 baby seats. White IKEA are most suitable, without the tray.
- 203 white ceramic plates.
- 203 forks and knives.
- 203 wine glasses.
- 203 drinking glasses
- 5-30 plastic colorful plates, single color each.
- 5-30 baby spoon or forks.
- 5-30 plastic cups for toddlers.
- 5-30 baby bibs.
- 20 white bowls.
- 20 wine bottles.
- 20 trays.
- 40 beverage drinks, of any kind. Tags removed, unbranded.
- 20 white cloth maps.
- 60 flower assortments.
- 20 Chalas
- 203 napkins
- Seasonal fruits.
- 203 Plastic holders
Graphics can be downloaded here (A4)
Perspex holder example (A4)
How To Set The Table?
- Tables should be enacted in a long row.
- Each table to be arranged with 10 chairs, 5 at each table. One table should host the baby chairs. As if it is the children table, with adults sitting by them.
- Tables must be clothed with maps.
- Each sitting includes: A plate with a napkin on it. Wine glass placed on the napkin. Drinking glass on the top right side of each plate. Fork on the left, knife on the right.
- Baby sitting is the same, but with the plastic plate and glass, and baby spoon.
- Each table needs to have on it a wine bottle, 2 light beverage bottles, flower assortments, Chala. Assorted fruits for decoration. Tables should look identical, as possible.
- Place on each chair the Perspex holder.
What Can I Do Once The Table Enacted?
- Take photos and send them to thisis@darkenu.org.il with full location details and contact info. Feel free to add personal impressions. All will be shared to social media and the website enacted for the cause.
- Media event, inviting local press to cover the table and talk about the tragedy. If you want to host a video conversation with one of the families please contact thisis@darkenu.org.il .
- Donations. You can use the sittings to raise donations for the cause. This is going to be a long international struggle and we need your help.
- Arrange talks around it about terrorism, extremism and the global fight for building a positive future for all.
We encourage you to use this exhibit to promote meaningful positive change and help resonate the hope that all hostages be back, and extremist forces will be defeated.
"Return to Me, and I will return to you," Malachi 3, 7
About Darkenu:
Darkenu (Founded 2015) is a grassroots movement, focused on empowering and strengthening the voice of the moderate majority in Israel.
We strongly believe that the values of Israel, the Jewish-Democratic state, are grounded in the principles outlined in the Declaration of Independence. These principles are guided by the spirit of the prophets of Israel – an outlook of justice, equality, peace, and solidarity. With over 400K supporters, Darkenu is Israel's most significant civil movement. We work to organize, extend, activate, and empower Israel's moderate majority.
For additional information:
Nimrod Dweck, CEO, Darkenu, +972-52-8358719 or dweck@darkenu.org.il
See attached for how to donate to us.
- By a direct bank wire transfer:
Account beneficiary name: DARKENU
Bank name: Bank Hapoalim
Bank address: Yigal Alon St 65, Tel Aviv-Yafo
Branch Number: 780
Account number: 220619
IBAN IL470127800000000220619
SWIFT POALILIT
- Donors based in the U.S wishing to make a tax-deductible contributionhave two options to choose from:
- Please make out a check to “P.E.F. Israel Endowment Funds” (Tax ID Number: 13-6104086), with a recommendation that it be used for Darkenu - Yoziim Le'peula -#83165, non-profit number 51-3408625, and send it by mail to: P.E.F. Israel Endowment Funds
630 Third Avenue, Suite 1501
New York NY 10017
Or, if you wish to make a bank wire transfer to P.E.F.
Please contact: info@pefisrael.org
P.E.F. will authorize the donation, forward it to Darkenu - Yoziim Le'peula and send the donor a receipt.
- Through the PeaceWorks Foundation (Tax ID Number: 30-0102398)
Bank Wire Transfer and ACH Directions:
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Account name: PeaceWorks Foundation
Account #3746625007
Routing #021407912
Check by Mail:
Please make checks payable to PeaceWorks Foundation
Mail to: PeaceWorks Foundation PO Box 1577 - Old Chelsea Station New York, NY 10113
Thank you in advance for your support!
DARKENU
