- September 21, 2024
- 2:27 pm
- World News
A large-scale protest organized by the Hostage Families Forum took place in front of the UN headquarters in New York today. The demonstration took place before the opening of the 79th UN General Assembly. The organizers wanted to draw the attention of world leaders to the fate of people held in the Gaza Strip.
The rally was attended by freed hostages, as well as relatives of those killed and those still in captivity. Aviva Siegel, who was freed from Hamas captivity last November, shared her experiences.
“I was with the girls who were touched, beaten. I saw Keith being tortured,” she said of her husband, who remains in captivity. She added: “This is not just about me and my husband or the other 100 hostages who are still there. It is about good triumphing over evil, about justice returning to the world by freeing the innocent.”
Yamit Ashkenazi, the sister of hostage Doron Steinbacher, reminded everyone that time is running out. She added: “The shocking murder of six hostages this month has made this terribly clear. We must do everything possible to save my little sister and all the hostages.”
Or Gat, whose sister Carmel Gat was killed by Hamas militants in a tunnel near Rafah, asked her sister for forgiveness for not being cared for by those who should have been “even though you cared for everyone you were captured with.”
New York Attorney General Letitia James and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levin also spoke at the rally. Hundreds of organizations and synagogues supported the event. New York priests and rabbis led an interfaith prayer for the safe return of all hostages.
Authorities have stepped up security around the UN headquarters for the coming days. Several roads have been closed, especially between 42nd and 63rd Streets and between East River Drive and Seventh Avenue. This is due to the UN General Assembly meeting, which will be attended by world leaders.
Major leftist movements and pro-Palestinian organizations are planning to hold mass protests. A major demonstration for Palestine is planned for September 26.