A poignant rally unfolded in New York City's Central Park on Sunday, as families of hostages held by Hamas voiced their desperate pleas for the safe return of their loved ones. The gathering, organized by the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, called upon both President Biden and President-elect Trump to prioritize the hostages' release.
The forum's message was clear: "Seize the opportunity, seal the deal, and bring the hostages home." The rally drew dozens of participants, many carrying signs bearing the faces of their captive family members. Emotional speeches echoed through the park, amplifying the families' urgent call for action.
Yarden Gonen, whose brother Romi is among the hostages, painted a vivid picture of the reunion they yearn for: "Imagine the emotional moment… when our government seals the deal… the hugs we will share… when we finally see them free." Gonen's plea extended beyond the living, expressing hope for the proper burial of those who perished and closure for their families. She expressed her hope that this could happen by Hanukkah.
The image above shows participants at Sunday's Central Park protest holding signs with photographs of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. (Credit: Alon Kaplun)
The rally comes weeks after the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed the death of Capt. Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old American-Israeli soldier from New York. Killed in action on October 7, 2023, Neutra's remains are currently held by Hamas in Gaza. Prior to the IDF's announcement, Neutra was believed to be alive and among the hostages. His status, however, remains as one of the seven American hostages held in Gaza.
The photograph above depicts dozens of individuals at the rally advocating for the return of U.S. hostages held in the Middle East. (Credit: Dani Tenenbaum)
Roy Chen, brother of hostage Itay Chen, emphasized the significance of American identity for his brother and reiterated the need for strong leadership to secure the hostages' release. While acknowledging the ongoing efforts to rebuild and plan for the future, Chen stressed the urgency of ending the hostages' suffering and bringing them home. Itay Chen, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, was kidnapped during the October 7 Hamas attack on southern Israel and was later confirmed dead by the IDF in March.
