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Edited by: Fern Sidman
In a historic display of solidarity and determination, over 7,000 individuals gathered on a crisp Sunday afternoon near the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, calling for the immediate return of the 133 hostages remaining in Hamas captivity in Gaza, according to a report in The Jerusalem Post. This monumental assembly marks the largest rally outside of Israel to date, drawing attention to the plight of those held captive by the Hamas terrorists and the pressing need for their safe release.
Families of the hostages, whose anguished hearts bear the weight of uncertainty and fear, stood shoulder to shoulder with a diverse coalition of supporters. As was reported by the JPost, among them was Louis Har, a survivor of Hamas captivity in Gaza, whose harrowing ordeal spanned 129 agonizing days. His presence served as a poignant reminder of the human toll exacted by the cruel grip of captivity.
Accompanying the hostages’ families were esteemed members of Congress, local community leaders, and representatives from over 150 organizations spanning synagogues, churches, and schools, as was indicated in the JPost report.
Former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett’s presence lent further weight to the rally, as he embraced Ruby Chen, father of the late hostage Itay Chen, as per the report in the JPost. Their poignant exchange epitomized the shared grief and unwavering resolve permeating the event.
The rally commenced with a powerful exhibition by activists affiliated with the Hostage and Missing Families Forum.
Amidst the fervor of the event, an installation intended to symbolize the suffering endured by those still in captivity served as a stark reminder of the human toll exacted by conflict. The New York Times reported that seven individuals, wrapped in chains, sat inside dog cages on the ground, while three others stood nearby with their hands chained together. Clad in white clothes with red paint smeared across their bodies, they embodied the anguish and desperation of those ensnared in Hamas captivity.
The installation, a poignant visual representation of the plight of the hostages, underscored the urgency of the rally’s message and the profound impact of conflict on human lives.
Addressing the throngs of impassioned supporters, Louis Har articulated a sentiment echoed by many: the journey toward healing cannot commence until every hostage is safely returned to their homes, as was highlighted in the JPost report. His words resonated deeply, laying bare the enduring trauma inflicted by captivity and the unyielding demand for justice.
“People might think that after one-hundred-and-twenty-nine days in captivity there are easier things to do than to fly here and stand with you–but I can’t start healing until they are all back. None of us can,” Har declared, his voice imbued with steely determination, as was noted in the JPost report. “I’m demanding all the relevant leaders–you know who they are, from all countries and governments, including my own: Strike a deal! Bring them home, now.”
In a heart-wrenching display of courage and resilience, Shira Matalon, (whose family has been torn apart by the captivity of her uncles, Yossi and Eli), delivered a powerful speech that echoed the anguish and longing felt by countless families affected by conflict. The JPost reported that Matalon’s words carried the weight of unimaginable sorrow as she recounted the recent loss of her uncle Yossi, whose death was confirmed in a harrowing Hamas video showcasing his lifeless body.
“In the past six months, we sat Shiva at my home, honoring the memory of four of my most favorite people in the world,” Matalon shared, her voice trembling with emotion. “Eli’s return and Yossi’s proper burial is the least we can hope for in this devastating time.”
However, the event took an unexpected turn when Congressman Jerry Nadler called for humanitarian aid to be sent to the people in Gaza, according to the report in the NYT. He was met with a mix of applause and boos, underscoring the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the divergent perspectives within the crowd.
“As we remember the heinous crimes committed by the Hamas terrorists, we must continue to press for lifesaving humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people, too,” Nadler asserted, as was indicated in the NYT report.
However, as he continued, calling for more support for those suffering in Gaza, a portion of the crowd began to voice their dissent, booing and heckling the congressman. According to the information provided in the NYT report, the tension escalated as more attendees joined in, chanting slogans such as “bring them home” or “shame.”
Shany Granot-Lubaton, an organizer with the Hostages and Missing Families Forum New York, moved swiftly to distance the forum and the families from the disruptive behavior, emphasizing that it did not represent their unified stance on the issue, the NYT reported. Granot-Lubaton highlighted the diverse array of opinions within the community but stressed that the common goal of securing the release of the hostages transcended political divides.
“The minority who interfered with Nadler’s speech does not represent the Hostages Families Forum, nor the families themselves,” Granot-Lubaton affirmed. “We respect and thank Congress member Nadler for coming today and for being a part of our fight to bring every one of our hostages back home.”
Robert Gottheim, Nadler’s chief of staff, sought to clarify the congressman’s remarks, emphasizing that his call for humanitarian aid to the Palestinian people was not an extraordinary statement but rather a recognition of the basic principle of compassion and humanitarianism. “We have to have humanitarian aid for the Palestinian people; that goes without saying,” Gottheim asserted, the NYT report said. conflict.
The JPost also reported that earlier on Sunday, families of the hostages convened with New York City Mayor Eric Adams, underscoring the urgent need for solidarity and support in their quest for justice. The event, organized by COJO, an Orthodox organization based in Brooklyn, provided a platform for families to share their stories and advocate for the safe return of their loved ones.
As Mayor Adams listened intently to the impassioned pleas of the families, Liat Unger, a cousin of Omer Shem Tov, took to the stage to present the mayor with a symbol of hope and solidarity—the hostages’ pin. As per the report in the JPost, this heartfelt gesture served as a tangible reminder of the collective resolve to secure the release of those held in captivity and bring an end to the suffering endured by their families.
