Tel Aviv, Israel – A number of prominent Israeli performers and cultural venues have postponed or canceled events in solidarity with the families of the hostages whose remains were returned to Israel on Thursday.

The cancellations reflect a collective period of mourning following the devastating news of the deaths of four hostages—Shir, Ariel, and Kfir Bibas, along with Oded Lifshitz.

Singer Omer Adam was among the first to cancel his scheduled concert at Tel Aviv’s Menorah Mivtahim Auditorium. Similarly, Ivri Lider announced the cancellation of his Thursday night show at the Barby Club in Tel Aviv, citing the immense grief that has gripped the nation.

“In light of the devastating news we so desperately wished not to receive about the return of the fallen hostages, I have decided to postpone the performance scheduled for this Thursday at the Barby to a later date,” Lider said in a statement. “In the midst of this overwhelming reality, I felt that I could not take the stage at Barby tonight.”

Instead of performing at the club, Lider expressed his intent to join mourners at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv. “In moments when the pain is too great, it is important for me to stand beside the families at Hostages Square, alongside everyone whose heart is there,” he added.

Hostages Square has become a focal point for grieving families and supporters, many of whom gathered to pay tribute to the slain hostages. The return of the remains has deepened the sorrow of a nation that has been following the plight of the captives closely.

Cultural Institutions Join in Mourning

The outpouring of grief extended beyond the music industry, with several cultural institutions also choosing to suspend their operations for the day.

The Tzavta Theater in Tel Aviv announced the cancellation of all scheduled Thursday events, stating that the decision was made “out of solidarity and shared mourning with the families.”

Orna and Moshe Datz, a well-known singing duo, postponed their performance at the Gray club in Modi’in, rescheduling it for April 5. “Our hearts are broken with the families in these painful hours,” they wrote in a statement.

Additionally, the Einav Cultural Center, the Cameri Theater, and the Simta Theater in Tel Aviv also went dark on Thursday, according to reports from Israel Hayom.

A Nation in Grief

The remains of the four hostages were among those released amid ongoing negotiations for the return of others still held captive. The announcement of their deaths sent shockwaves throughout Israel, prompting a wave of national mourning.

For many, the decision to cancel or postpone entertainment events was not just about paying respect to the fallen but also about standing in solidarity with grieving families.

“There are moments when music must take a step back,” said a representative from one of the affected venues. “This is a time for mourning, unity, and support.”

As the nation continues to reel from the news, Hostages Square remains a gathering place for those seeking solace and a space to honor the memory of the victims.

The cancellations and postponements serve as a poignant reminder of the deep emotional impact the hostage crisis has had on Israeli society.

This article was created using automation technology and was thoroughly edited and fact-checked by one of our editorial staff members