Hundreds of protesters gathered in Times Square, New York, on Thursday to call for the release of American hostages held by Hamas, urging President Joe Biden to use all available diplomatic channels to free them.
As the mob screamed “Bring them home,” billboards depicted the faces of those who were allegedly being kept hostage, including infants and senior citizens.
According to US sources, Hamas is currently keeping about 200 individuals prisoner following the Palestinian group’s Oct. 7 surprise attack on Israel, in which more than 1,400 Israelis were murdered. Senator Jim Risch, the chair of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, informed reporters on Wednesday that 10 of the captives were Americans.
Ronan and Orna Neutra, whose son Omer, 22, is rumored to be kept hostage, spoke during the NYC gathering. “We are heartbroken. We are worried,” his mother said. “But we are focused and resolute in doing everything within our power to bring Omer back.”
Neutra, a grandson of Holocaust survivors, put off going to college in order to travel to Israel and enlist in the Israel Defense Forces. According to his father, he had called his parents the night before the assaults and had expressed his desire for a calm weekend following a month of border monitoring.
The first Jewish Senate majority leader in history, U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer, was also among the speakers who swore to support Israel and confront Hamas.
Mayor Eric Adams, who has repeatedly expressed support for Israel since the beginning of the conflict, sent in a pre-recorded video message to the crowds. “These are sisters, our brothers, our grandparents, our children, the road to peace begins with their release,” he said.
“This is a painful time for our city, for our country, for the world. As I have stated, We are not alright. Let’s continue to look out for each other and lift each other up in prayer.”
Israel Nitzan, acting general consul of Israel in New York, was also there and pledged that his nation will make every effort to free the captives. “Make no mistake, Hamas are war criminals for murdering 1,400 innocent civilians, for kidnapping 200 civilians,” the diplomat said. “They will pay the ultimate price because they miscalculated big time and they have awakened the lion”.
Behind the Times Square demonstration was the nonprofit Israeli American Council, which speaks for Israeli Americans living in the United States. Another pro-Palestinian demonstration to demand a ceasefire was also scheduled for Friday in front of the main branch of New York City’s public library.
