Berlin art campaign: Red balloons for kidnapped hostages from Israel

Berlin art campaign: Red balloons for kidnapped hostages from Israel

This Saturday passers-by who entered the outside of the subway station on Wittenbergplatz were confronted with an unusual sight: numerous people were visibly affected on the sidewalk in front of the KaDeWe and examined red balloons that were attached on the cobblestone. On closer inspection, the devout atmosphere and the shocked faces of the passers -by explained: the balloons were intended as part of an installation that was organized for the hostages from Israel kidnapped by Hamas.

The art campaign initiated the message of the state of Israel and the World Jewish Congress. 222 balloons were exhibited, and there was also a shoe with an information sheet under every balloon, which each informed about a kidnapped hostage.

For example, about 77-year-old Israeli Hannah Katzir. It was written on the sheet of paper: "On October 7, almost 200 innocent civilian civilians from Israel were led into the Gaza Strip. Their whereabouts are still unknown." Under the picture you could scan a QR code by cell phone that led to the website https://www.kidnappedfromisrael.com/.

International organizations are afraid of the fate of hostages, especially after the start of the invasion by Israel's military on Friday evening. The concern is that Hamas does not expose the hostages if the Israeli military should continue to advance. Negotiations on possible hostage clearances continue to take place through mediators such as Qatar.

This art campaign caused a sensation in Berlin and shows the solidarity of the Berlin population with the kidnapped hostages from Israel. The installation serves as a public memory of the victims and helps to raise awareness of this topic. It is a strong sign against violence and terrorism and shows that Berlin is a city that is committed to human rights and peace.

According to a report by Berliner Zeitung, the art installation can be seen at Wittenbergplatz until October 31 and invites visitors to deal with the fate of hostages and to express their support. It is to be hoped that this public action will lead to positive changes and the release of the hostages can be achieved.