On Monday, Adam Rimon saw his uncle Chaim Peri for the first time since Oct. 7 — in a video released by Hamas to demonstrate that the 79-year-old captive was still alive.
The video reinvigorated Rimon’s passion to bring every Israeli hostage home, a hope he holds in common with the dozens of other Jews, Israeli citizens and community members who gathered in Culver City on Tuesday evening for the unveiling of a massive mural dedicated to the 129 captives.
The mural is made up of the red and white “kidnapped” posters featuring individual hostages. The posters have been printed and distributed on sheets of paper around the world, but in the case of this art installation are blown up to cover a 120-foot long and 22 feet high wall.
“Sadly we’ve seen a lot of tearing of the kidnapped posters down, but now we have something that’s really monumental,” said Rimon. “I know this will be able to stay here until the mission is accomplished and they all come back. We hope and pray for all of their health and their return.”
The project was a collaboration between nonprofit organizations Combat Antisemitism Movement and Artists 4 Israel. The wall itself was provided by Ari Mark, the CEO of production company Ample Entertainment, who owns the office building at 1101 Washington Blvd.
“It’s very impactful to see such a strong statement,” Rimon said. “It takes a lot of courage for somebody like Ari Mark to put it on his property.”
Mark said he had some security concerns about the installation, but believes the message is too urgent to be muffled by fear. So far, he added, the responses have been largely positive.
“This isn’t a political stand, it’s a moral one,” he said.
Many of the individual “kidnapped” posters feature photos of Israelis held captive by Hamas. But seven of the posters contain mirrors challenging passersby to put themselves in the shoes of a hostage.
“As you walk by, you will see yourself in the frame, see your…
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