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Families of the Israeli hostages held a rally in New York City’s Central Park on Sunday and called on President Biden and President-elect Trump to bring them home.
“Seize the opportunity, close the deal and bring the hostages home,” a news release from the Hostage and Missing Families Forum said.
Photos of the demonstration show dozens of participants, some holding signs with photographs of hostages and others speaking with microphones and megaphones.
“Please join me for a minute, close your eyes and imagine the emotional moment we will feel when our government closes the deal, when they release everyone, every hostage,” Yarden Gonen, sister of hostage Romi Gonen, said in a release. . “And see in their eyes the hugs we will share with our loved ones when we finally see them free from the hands of Hamas. And even for those who did not survive, may they have a proper burial in Israel, and may the families find closure for Hanukkah. “
US-ISRAELI IDF PLATOON COMMANDER KILLED IN BATTLE, BODY HELD IN GAZA, IDF SAYS
Participants in Sunday’s protest in Central Park carried signs with photographs of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza. (Headquarters of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum)
Dozens of people called on lawmakers to bring home American hostages in the Middle East. (Headquarters of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum)
Weeks ago, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on social media that Captain Omer Neutra, 21, of New York, was killed in battle on October 7, 2023 and that “his body has been held hostage in Gaza since then”.
Prior to the publication of X, Neutra was believed to be alive and being held hostage.
Because Neutra’s body is in the hands of Hamas, he is still considered one of seven American hostages held in Gaza.
7 American hostages still held by Hamas terrorists as families call for their release: ‘THIS IS URGENT’
An image of Omer Neutra is shown at his funeral, December 3, 2024, at the Midway Jewish Center in Syosset, New York. (AP Photo/Philip Marcelo)
“Being American has always been a big part of my identity,” hostage Itay Chen’s brother, Roy Chen, said in a statement. “We just returned from a significant week in Washington. The message remains the same: It will take leadership to make difficult decisions. We are strong enough to reach that agreement. As we rebuild our country and plan ahead for a better future, We must end the suffering of the hostages. We must bring them all home now.”
Itay Chen, a 19-year-old American-Israeli citizen, was on active duty in a tank unit on October 7, 2023. (Hostage families forum)
Chen, an American-Israeli citizen who was kidnapped on October 7 as Hamas terrorists invaded southern israel and massacred hundreds, was confirmed dead in March by the IDF.
Fox News’ Yonat Friling and Danielle Wallace contributed to this report.
