In a heartbreaking press conference held by House Republican leadership on Tuesday, the families of Israelis who have been taken hostage by Hamas made a desperate plea for U.S. aid. Doris Liber, whose son was kidnapped by Hamas militants at a music festival in southern Israel, shared a chilling account of her son’s ordeal. She revealed that her son had hidden under dead bodies to avoid being noticed by the terrorists, and he had been shot in the arm during the attack.
Liber, along with other family members, expressed their deep anguish and fear for their loved ones. They urged the United States to intervene and provide assistance in securing the safe return of the hostages. The families have been enduring an agonizing 30 days since the Hamas militants infiltrated Israel’s borders and brutally killed approximately 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians.
The emotional toll on the families is immeasurable, as they anxiously await any news about the condition and whereabouts of their loved ones. Without any information or a list of hostages, they are left in a state of uncertainty and despair. Alon Shamriz, whose brother is also being held captive, passionately appealed to the American people for help, emphasizing the urgency of the situation. He warned that if action is not taken to eliminate Hamas, the United States could be the next target.
The families’ plea for assistance is a call to action, not only for Israel and the Jewish community but for all nations. Yonatan Lulu-Shamriz, whose brother is also being held hostage, emphasized the importance of addressing this atrocity and preventing future acts of terrorism. He urged everyone, including America and Europe, to wake up to the gravity of the situation.
In response to the families’ pleas, House Republicans passed a bill allocating $14.3 billion to Israel, redirecting funds previously allotted to the Internal Revenue Service by President Biden. However, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer dismissed the bill as a nonstarter in the Senate, causing further frustration among those advocating for the hostages’ release.
The urgency and gravity of the situation cannot be overstated. The families of the hostages are living in constant fear, desperately seeking the safe return of their loved ones. It is imperative for the international community, including the United States, to take immediate action to address this crisis and ensure the safe release of the hostages.
Elizabeth Elkind, a reporter for Digital, specializing in Congress and the intersection of Artificial Intelligence and politics, covered the press conference. Her previous work can be found at Daily Mail and CBS News.
