Heartfelt calls to action: Voices unite for 13 women held by Hamas

Marking a solemn anniversary

Thirteen influential figures have come together to honor the thirteen women who have been held captive by Hamas for a year. This reflection comes on the anniversary of the deadliest day for Israel since the Holocaust—October 7. On that tragic day, approximately 1,200 people were killed, and around 250 others were taken hostage by Hamas.

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum

The Hostages and Missing Families Forum has gathered thirteen well-known activists to shed light on the plight of these women caught amidst the ongoing Israel-Gaza conflict. With the hashtag #BringThemHomeNow, the coalition shared a compelling video on social media, tagging each participant involved in this heartfelt tribute.

Voices of support: A star-studded lineup

The video features a diverse lineup of activists, including:

• Bravo producer/host Andy Cohen
• Actresses Ginnifer Goodwin, Mayim Bialik, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Patricia Heaton, and Debra Messing
• Saturday Night Live comedian Chloe Fineman
• Artist Zoe Buckman
• Fashion designer Rebecca Minkoff
• Iranian Princess Noor Pahlavi
• Influencers Emily Austin, Adela Cojab Moadeb, and Baby Ariel

Each participant read the names and stories of the women still held hostage, creating a powerful chorus of solidarity and hope.

Who are the women held captive?

The thirteen women who remain in captivity are:

• Romi Gonen, 24
• Naama Levy, 20
• Liri Albag, 19
• Ofra Keider, 70
• Shiri Bibas, 33
• Inbar Hayman, 27
• Emily Damari, 27
• Karina Ariev, 20
• Agam Berger, 20
• Doron Steinbrecher, 31
• Arbel Yehoud, 29
• Daniella Gilboa, 20
• Judy Weinstein Haggai, 70

Their names and stories serve as a somber reminder of the ongoing human cost of this conflict.

Hollywood’s continuing plea

The video joins a series of movements from Hollywood, urging the return of the 101 Israeli hostages still held by Hamas. Recently, the documentary We Will Dance Again on Paramount+—which chronicles the harrowing Nova Festival massacre—brought together several families of the hostages. In the midst of this advocacy, 62 performers and artists across various entertainment sectors signed a letter to President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, demanding sustainable peace in the Middle East. They emphasized that the first step toward peace is the return of the hostages.

The international dimension

Among the 101 hostages are seven Americans. According to updated information, four are presumed alive while three have tragically been reported dead. Those held include Omer Neutra, Edan Alexander, Sagui Dekel-Chen, Keith Siegel, Gadi Haggai, Itay Chen, and Weinstein Haggai. Tragically, six Israeli hostages, including Israeli American Hersh Goldberg-Polin, were recently killed by Hamas.

Statements of solidarity from global leaders

Vice President Harris shared her thoughts on the anniversary, expressing unwavering commitment to the hostages’ release. President Biden echoed similar sentiments, pledging that efforts will not cease until all hostages are returned safely. Both leaders highlighted the need for a ceasefire in Gaza that would prioritize humanitarian aid and Israel’s security while seeking to end the conflict.

Reflections on the ongoing conflict

The Israeli retaliation in Gaza has resulted in substantial casualties, with the death toll reportedly exceeding 40,000 Palestinians according to sources from the Hamas-run health ministry. The scale and severity of the conflict underscore the critical need for international attention and action to resolve the humanitarian crisis.

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