On Sunday morning, restaurants across Israel announced plans to close their doors from 6:00 p.m. as a gesture of solidarity with the families of hostages, following the heartbreaking news of the deaths of six hostages: Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Eden Yerushalmi, Carmel Gat, Almog Sarusi, Alex Lobanov, and Ori Danino.
The Sarona Market complex in Tel Aviv also joined the initiative, issuing a statement to its tenants pledging full support for those who chose to close.
"In light of the shocking revelations from the past 24 hours, which showed that the State of Israel's neglect of the hostages led to their murder, Sarona Market expresses its deepest condolences and stands in solidarity with the families who have suffered such profound losses," the statement read.
"Given the overwhelming emotions, we have decided to offer full support to businesses in the market that choose to close their doors between 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m., as a sign of solidarity with the families and the wider community, and to participate in the protest demonstrations."
Renowned Israeli chef Haim Cohen announced the closure of his restaurants "Jaffa-Tel Aviv" and "Dixie." In a message to Dixie staff, he wrote, "We woke to a bleak morning without a single ray of hope. We will not operate tonight. We're closing our kitchens in solidarity with the hostages still held captive and in support of their families, who have endured an unbearable reality for 330 days. It's the least we can do. I encourage everyone to go out this evening and show support for the families."
* Israel Hayom contributed to this article.