The "Captured" initiative, which advocates the return of the Israeli hostages, was launched
by photographer and artist Sharon Derhy, the daughter-in-law of Chaim Peri, who was kidnapped by Hamas on October 7 from his home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Chaim was murdered. His body was recovered from Gaza on August 20, 2024.

The initiative emerged when Derhy’s husband, Lior, visited his father's home in the Kibbutz
and recalled a photo taken there a year earlier. In the photo, he and his father are seen at the doorstep of the house, reading weekend newspapers in a laid-back setting. Lior recreated the photo, now with his father absent and the aftermath of the October 7th massacre evident. He sent the photo to Derhy, who juxtaposed both images, added the caption 'Waiting', and uploaded it to Facebook. The overwhelming response to the photos made her realize the effectiveness of this positioning, connecting viewers immediately to the urgency of bringing the hostages back home. Derhy collaborated with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum to lead the recreation of more family album photos where hostages are absent. The original and recreated photos, presented side by side, illustrate the void left in the families’ hearts, depicting their worry and excruciating pain as they await the return of their loved ones.

"Captured" transcends mere imagery. It serves as a powerful voice for families torn apart by kidnappings, their pain echoing through the silence of empty spaces. The absence of the persons in the photos draws you in, compelling you to want to complete the photo, reassemble the harmony and by that reunite the family.

By sharing these stories, we aim to draw attention to the human cost of the horrid events of
October 7th, urging decision-makers to prioritize the release of the hostages and act to their immediate release.

The exhibition was made possible with the support of The Jerusalem Foundation.
The Jerusalem Theatre and the Jerusalem Foundation view the support of this exhibition as of great importance.

The Salon Gallery
1.1.25-27.2.25

Sharon Derhy, Kibbutz Nir Oz, home ofChaim Peri, 2022 & 2023. Photo ©Sharon Derhy