As the Middle East approaches peace, please don’t forget my son and the other captives.

The Ongoing Hostage Crisis and the Path Forward

The events of the October 7th hostage crisis in 2023 echo back to earlier tragedies, notably the capture of my son, Hadar Goldin, in August 2014. During a ceasefire brokered by the UN and the US, Hamas militants ambushed and killed him, taking his body into a tunnel and effectively keeping him hostage since that day.

Hadar is just one of the 50 captives that Hamas continues to hold, with at least 20 of them still alive in dire conditions. Attempts at diplomacy back in 2014 fell short—it became clear that such efforts were just a cover for Hamas to acquire hostages under the facade of a humanitarian ceasefire. The years that followed, marked by many missed opportunities, should not lead to failures again if the Middle East is poised for significant change.

For far too long, Hadar’s situation and those like him have been overlooked, treated as mere inconveniences amid broader political agendas concerning Gaza. This neglect became glaringly evident when, on October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a violent invasion into Israel, leading to thousands of casualties and the seizure of numerous hostages, amplifying what is now a horrific crisis.

The chaos that ensued could, paradoxically, open new diplomatic pathways that previously seemed impossible. While there’s a push for normalization with Saudi Arabia, other nations such as Lebanon and Syria are also part of this evolving narrative that could promote peace, similar to past agreements brokered by different administrations.

It’s crucial that any resolution includes the return of hostages, including Hadar, as a core component. Saudi Arabia has the potential to play a vital role in this undertaking, leveraging its influence over Hamas to advocate for the release of captives. As a major player within the Islamic community, Saudi Arabia could make a significant impact—if it chooses to act.

In addition to local leaders, the international community holds responsibility. The situation surrounding hostages, especially in relation to the Iranian regime and its hostilities, calls for adherence to international laws aiming to recover missing persons. Efforts to bring back Saudi hostages could help build essential trust in the overarching goal of peace in the region, emphasizing that normalization must rest on principles of humanity and justice, not just political convenience.

As I mark 4,000 days of Hadar’s captivity, I find myself appealing to various leaders and diplomats around the world—not only as a heartbroken mother but as a member of a nation that values justice and human dignity. While the previous administration made strides in addressing hostage situations, dozens remain unaccounted for, suffering in silence.

I urge the President to utilize his influence to encourage Saudi Arabia to bring these hostages home. Establishing peace in the Middle East should be more than just a historical legacy; it requires actionable steps, beginning with the safe return of those held captive. This is vital for fostering the trust necessary for lasting peace.

The dynamics in the Middle East are undeniably shifting, but peace must be anchored in fundamental humane principles to endure. The return of hostages should be foundational, not an afterthought.