Israeli hostages’ families hold Central Park rally, call on Biden, Trump to bring loved ones home
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 their loved ones home. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum released a statement urging the government to “seize the opportunity, seal the deal, and bring the hostages home.”
The rally saw dozens of participants holding signs with photos of the hostages, while others spoke passionately into microphones and megaphones. Yarden Gonen, sister of hostage Romi Gonen, spoke emotionally, envisioning the moment when their loved ones would finally be released from Hamas’ grip. She called for closure for the families of those who did not survive, hoping they would have a proper burial in Israel by Hanukkah.
Among the hostages being held is Capt. Omer Neutra, a 21-year-old from New York who was killed in battle on Oct. 7, 2023. His body has been held hostage in Gaza since then, leading to his inclusion among the seven American hostages still being held by Hamas. Neutra’s tragic fate was revealed on social media by the IDF, dispelling previous hopes that he was still alive.
The families at the rally emphasized the urgent need for action to bring their loved ones home. Itay Chen, a 19-year-old U.S.-Israeli citizen who was kidnapped during a Hamas invasion in October 2023, was confirmed dead in March by the IDF. Roy Chen, Itay’s brother, stressed the importance of strong leadership to make the difficult decisions necessary to secure the release of the hostages.
The rally in Central Park was a powerful display of unity and determination as families continue to advocate for the return of their loved ones. The photos from the event captured the emotions and hopes of those present, urging lawmakers to prioritize the safe return of the hostages. The families remain steadfast in their belief that with leadership and determination, they can bring their loved ones home.
