EL AL | Atmosphere

EL AL remains committed to the release of the hostages

Since October 7 th , EL AL has been actively participating in the war effort, particularly in advocating for the release of hostages still held in Gaza. To date, EL AL has flown hundreds of family members of hostages to various diplomatic missions worldwide, fully funding these flights. On January 14 th , which marked 100 days since the hostages’ captivity, EL AL demonstrated solidarity through various tributes. An hourglass exhibit symbolizing the diminishing time for the hostages was flown to the UN headquarters in New York. This exhibit, created by the “Ramat Hashna’im” association, originally showcased in Tel Aviv’s HaBima square, weighed over 300kg and stood at 3.5 meters high, making its transportation to New York through JFK airport a significant logistical challenge. Additionally, on January 14 th , the flagship EL AL flight “LY001,” departing from Tel Aviv at 01:00 Hersh Goldberg-Polin was supposed to board an EL AL flight to India on December 27 th and start his big trip around the world. But on October 7 th , Hersh was captured by Hamas and taken hostage to Gaza, as he was partying at the Nova festival. As a tribute to Hersh, and with the hope to raise awareness about the plight of the hostages, EL AL flight captains Gil Shimoni and Erez Dor spoke to Hersh’s parents John and Rachel through the EL AL control system as they were flying above India on their way to Bangkok. “Hersh was supposed to be flying to India with EL AL today, and together with To Hersh, with love

for JFK airport, was renamed flight LY100 in honor of the hostages’ 100 days in captivity. This flight was operated aboard the “Jerusalem of Gold” aircraft, carrying the message “Stand with Israel” since the onset of the war. The EL AL website background has been modified to commemorate the hostages’ 100 days in captivity, and each flight features a special address narrating

the story of the 136 hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. EL AL expresses unwavering support for the hostages’ families and remains dedicated to raising awareness in Israel and internationally. The airline is committed to doing everything possible to bring each and every hostage back home to their families.

(from the right) Captains Gil Shimon and Erez Dor I Photo: courtesy of EL AL

the whole country, we would like to take this opportunity to say that we are thinking of him and that we hope he will be back home with you as soon as possible, making plans for his next trip” said the captains

to Rachel and John. “We hope he’ll be able to go on his big trip around the world, the one he was dreaming to take for so long. We’re grateful to EL AL for this tribute to our son Hersh”, John replied.

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FEBRUARY 2024 ATMOSPHERE