Families of Israeli hostages held a rally in New York City's Central Park on Sunday, calling on President Biden and President-elect Trump to bring the hostages home.
“Let's seize the opportunity, close the deal and bring the hostages home,” said a press release from the Hostage and Missing Families Forum.
Photos from the rally show dozens of participants, some holding placards with photos of hostages and others speaking into microphones and megaphones.
Yarden Gonen, sister of hostage Romi Gonen, said in a statement: “Just take a moment to close your eyes and imagine how we will feel when the government makes a deal and releases everyone, all the hostages.'' “Imagine that emotional moment.” . “And as we see our loved ones finally freed from the clutches of Hamas, see in your eyes the hugs we share with them. And for those who did not survive, as they May he be properly buried in Israel and may his family be found.''We will be closed by Hanukkah. ”
American-Israeli IDF platoon leader killed in battle, body captured in Gaza, IDF says
Participants in Sunday's protest in Central Park held placards with pictures of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. (Aron Kaprun)
A few weeks ago, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on social media that Capt. Omer Neutra, 21, from New York, died in combat on October 7, 2023, and that “his body has been held hostage in Gaza ever since.” “We are doing so,” he announced.
Before X was posted, Neutra was believed to be alive and being held hostage.
Neutra's body is in Hamas custody and is considered one of seven American hostages still being held in Gaza.
Dozens of people called on lawmakers to bring home American hostages in the Middle East. (Dani Tenenbaum)
Seven American hostages remain held by Hamas terrorists as their families call for their release: 'This is an emergency'
“Being American has always been a big part of my identity,” hostage Itai Chen's brother Roy Chen said in a statement. “We just returned from a productive week in Washington. The message remains the same: It takes leadership to make tough decisions. We are strong enough to make that deal. We must end the suffering of the hostages while rebuilding our country and planning for a better future. We must bring them all home now.”
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Chen, a US-Israeli national, was kidnapped on October 7 when Hamas terrorists invaded. southern israel He massacred hundreds of people, but was declared dead by the IDF in March.
Fox News' Yonat Friling and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
