This afternoon, Ambassador Ofir Akunis, Consul General of Israel in New York, met with relatives of three hostages kidnapped by Hamas terrorists on October 7th, 2023, and who Hamas are still holding captive in Gaza 434 days later:
Yarden Gonen is the sister Romi Gonen (24), who was kidnapped at the Nova music festival on October 7th. The Gonen family have been at the forefront of a global to raise awareness for the hostages plight, and have spearheaded a “wear leopard on Wednesdays” campaign – as the print is Romi’s favorite pattern.
Yarden was joined by Sasha Ariev, sister of Karina Ariev, and Amit Levy, brother of Naama Levy (both 20). Karina and Naama were lookouts at the Nahal Oz base near Gaza, and were kidnapped on October 7th along with four other women.
Naama’s story has received international attention as a symbol of Hamas’s sexual violence – Hamas terrorists was recorded leading her, limping and wearing bloodied sweatpants, into a jeep that day. Last May, the Ariev and Levy families, alongside those of the other female lookouts, approved release of the harrowing footage of their daughters’ kidnapping.
“At this moment, we are closer to a new deal than ever before,” said Amb. Akunis. “Efforts continue unabated, and while there are still gaps, we are working to narrow them – and to bring about the implementation of this agreement as soon as possible.”
“We are waiting – and we know that this year, we will receive a Hanukkah miracle: the return of all the hostages,” said Yarden, Sasha and Amit. “From the moment we arrived in the United States, we have been working to maintain and strengthen American support for Israel’s government, ensuring they can reach an agreement to secure the return of our loved ones held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. And we are confident and full of hope that our message in all our meetings has been taken to heart.”
