Families of Hostages Held in Gaza Join Congressman Sherman Press Conference to Ensure Kidnapped Loved Ones Are Not Forgotten
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, on the one-month anniversary of Hamas terrorists' deadly attack on Israel, Congressman Brad Sherman (D-CA 32nd District) hosted a press conference on Capitol Hill with five families of hostages from the war in Gaza to ensure their loved ones are not forgotten as the crisis in the Middle East continues. Congressman Sherman's Congressional colleagues joined the event, including Congresswoman Kathy Manning (D-NC 6th District) and Congressman Dan Goldman (D-NY 10th District).
"Today we bring home right here to Washington, D.C. the pain experienced by the families of innocent Israelis who are still held hostage by Hamas," said Congressman Sherman in his opening remarks. "The hostages include toddlers, grandparents, mothers. A month has passed since October 7th when they were abducted. And they are in the hands of those who we know have delighted in the slaughter of babies, the execution of parents in front of their children… Many of those hostages were taken after watching their family members and loved ones murdered right in front of them. The cruelty of October 7th is unspeakable. We will not forget their stories and we will not let the world forget them until we bring them home."
The five families who joined Congressman Sherman's press conference are visiting Washington, D.C. this week to bring additional attention to the plight of their loved ones currently being held hostage by Hamas or are missing in Gaza.
"We don't know what their condition is, if they're alive or not. If they're getting medications, if they're getting any food," said Itay Raviv who has several family members currently being held hostage. "Ohad [Itay's cousin] had a birthday two weeks ago. On October 23rd, he turned nine. He's a smart, sweet boy who plays soccer and tennis and is very lovable. And he should not have spent his ninth birthday in captivity. He should not be in captivity at all. No kids should and no civilians should. They're all innocent civilians. Among the 241 hostages, there are over 30 kids. The youngest of them is only ten months old."
"It's incredibly important to hear because there is not enough attention right now on the fact that there are 240 hostages," said Boaz Atzili, an American-Israeli dual citizen whose cousin's wife are both being held hostage. "There are babies. There are children. There are grandparents. There are Americans. They are from 33 countries. And the fact that there are people advocating for a cease fire without discussing that the hostages must be returned makes no sense and runs completely counter to our American values, our democratic values, and the values that we export around the world."
In addition to pleading for the safe return of their loved ones, the families also illustrated their harrowing ordeal on the day of the horrendous Hamas terror attack.
"There's actually a warehouse in the Kibbutz where we store food that goes to the Palestinian people. When the terrorists came in on October 7th, they burned our houses, burned our people, and apparently burned food for their own people," said Yael Nadim whose sister-in-law is a hostage.
The families of the hostages that spoke at today's event include:
-Merav Raviv-Mor: Merav's Aunt, Uncle, her Cousin Karen and her 9-year-old son Ohad are also currently being held hostage.
-Itay Raviv: Merav's son
-Rita Lifshitz: Rita is the stepdaughter of Oded and Yocheved Lifshitz. Yocheved has been released, however Oded is still held hostage.
-Boaz Atzili: Boaz's cousin, Aviv, and his cousin's wife, Liat, are both being held hostage.
-Yael Nadim: Yael's sister-in- law is held hostage.
To watch the entire event, click here
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