09/04/2024
Time is Running Out
For more than 300 days, we have been praying for the safe and immediate release of the hostages taken by Hamas last October. “Bring Them Home Now” is not just some slogan – it’s a plea for humanity.
For more than 300 days, we have stood firmly with the people of Israel and supported Israel’s right to defend itself and its people. At the same time, we have been waiting for the international human rights community to stand up to Hamas and its financiers and put a stop to the cruelty being inflicted upon Israelis, as well as the Palestinian people in Gaza by their terrorist rulers.
For more than 300 days, we have withstood a level of hatred towards our people not seen in generations by those who want to “globalize the intifada” … who want to erase the state of Israel “from the river to the sea” and delegitimize and destroy the Jewish people. To these people, terrorists are embraced as liberators – and the rape and torture of Jewish civilians is justified.
Yet, just as it finally appeared that our prayers might be answered – that Hamas might finally agree to a ceasefire agreement after repeatedly rejecting terms negotiated by international intermediaries – we get the news that Ori Danino, Carmel Gat, Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Alex Lobanov, Almog Sarusi, and Eden Yerushalmi were executed by their Hamas captors as Israeli rescuers were drawing near.
Even in this age of outrage, this barbaric and cowardly act is reprehensible. Since the news broke, we have tried to make sense of this insanity … to find just the right words to accurately express our anger, our pain, and our despair.
Nothing can be said now that hasn’t been said innumerable times since October 7, 2023.
Yes, we are heartbroken … we’ve been heartbroken for more than 300 days now. But we will not break because we have each other. Together, we must find our strength and our solace. Just as our people have throughout history, we will help each other move forward despite the pain we feel and the hatred we face.
Please join us on Friday, September 6 at 2 p.m. for an informal gathering at Federation’s “hostage ribbon” art installation facing Richmond Road to remember the hostages that have died in captivity and pray for the remaining hostages that still need to be brought home. On Sunday, September 8, we will be providing the community with different ways to send their love and support to the families of hostages at our Super Sunday Kickoff event. You can find more information (including registration) here.
To our family and friends in Israel – we hear you. You are not alone. We stand with you in this time of immense anger, pain, and seething frustration. Ori, Carmel, Hersh, Alex, Almog, and Eden were not saved. However, there are many other hostages still being held by Hamas that could be – and we are running out of time to bring them home.
We mourn Ori, Carmel, Hersh, Alex, Almog, and Eden – as well as all the innocent people who have been killed. May their memories be for a blessing. May the remaining hostages be freed immediately. May the day come soon when Israelis and Palestinians are able to live in peace and without fear.
Am Yisrael Chai,
Daniel N. Zelman
Board Chair
Erika B. Rudin-Luria
President
