Central Park rally held by families of Israeli hostages; Families urge Biden, Trump to secure release of loved ones
Seven US citizens remain captive by Hamas terrorists, prompting their families to make heartfelt appeals for their safe return.
On Sunday, Israeli hostage families held a rally in Central Park, New York City, urging President Biden and President-elect Trump to secure their safe return.
The Hostages and Missing Families Forum urged action to "seize the opportunity," "seal the deal," and "bring the hostages home," according to a press release.
The rally was attended by dozens of participants, some of whom held signs featuring images of hostages and others who spoke through megaphones and microphones.
"Yarden Gonen, sister of hostage Romi Gonen, urged people to join her in imagining the emotional moment they would feel when their government sealed the deal and released everyone, every single hostage. She encouraged them to envision the hugs they would share with their loved ones when they finally saw them free from Hamas' hands. Even for those who didn't survive, she hoped they would have a proper burial in Israel and that the families would find closure. By Hanukkah."
The IDF announced on social media that Capt. Omer Neutra, 21, from New York was killed in battle on Oct. 7, 2023, and his body has been held captive in Gaza since.
It was believed that Neutra was alive and being held hostage prior to the X posting.
Since Hamas holds Neutra's body, he remains one of the seven American hostages in Gaza.
"Being an American has always been a significant aspect of my identity," Roy Chen, the brother of hostage Itay Chen, stated in a statement. "We have just returned from a week in Washington that was both meaningful and impactful. The message remains clear: it will take leadership to make difficult decisions. We are strong enough to make that deal. As we rebuild our country and look ahead to a brighter future, we must first end the suffering of the hostages. We must bring them all home now."
On Oct. 7, Hamas terrorists invaded southern Israel and kidnapped Chen, a U.S.-Israeli citizen. In March, the IDF confirmed that Chen had been killed.
Planet Chronicle' Yonat Friling and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
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