Influencers and Hostage Families Rally for Support at New York Event

In an emotional gathering in New York City, families of hostages held by Hamas in Gaza met with over a dozen influencers to rally support for bringing their loved ones home. Organized by the New York Hostage and Missing Families Forum, the event provided an intimate space for families to share their stories and call on influential voices to keep the hostage crisis at the forefront.

“The objective of this event is to foster understanding of why the hostages should be a priority and come first,” said Leat Corinne Unger, whose cousin Omer Shem Tov is among those held captive. Unger noted how global issues, from the Lebanese conflict to the recent U.S. elections, have drawn attention away from the critical situation of the hostages. “It’s hard, with all these distractions,” she added, urging people to remember that "human life must come first."

Several speakers shared powerful messages of resilience, including Daniel Lifshitz, whose grandmother, Yocheved, was briefly released after being abducted last year, while his grandfather remains in captivity. He recalled the harrowing experience, detailing how his elderly grandmother was abducted and taken on a motorbike, looking back to see his injured grandfather left behind. “I fought and will keep fighting every day,” he said. “We still have 29 hostages from Kibbutz Nir Oz. We need everyone’s support to ensure they come home.”

Influencers at the event included Lizzy Savetsky, who has become an outspoken advocate since witnessing the escalation of Hamas violence in recent years. “Our top priority should be our hostages,” she said. Reflecting on her journey, Savetsky recalled the 2021 rocket attacks on Israel and how they spurred her activism. She emphasized the need to “spread truth and [combat] lies” surrounding the crisis, vowing her continued support for hostage families.

Dana Cwaigrach, the event’s organizer, highlighted the hostages’ families' upcoming trip to Washington, D.C., for a unity rally. “We’re asking both President Biden and President-elect Trump to prioritize a deal that brings our people home,” she said. “Nothing is more important than this.”

Influencers shared tips for raising awareness on social media, received support materials like beanies and sweatshirts, and pledged to keep amplifying the hostages’ stories. Stand-up comedian Daniel Ryan Spaulding, one of the non-Jewish participants, voiced his commitment: “I want these families to know I care about them, and there are people spreading the word.”

Syrian-born Abraham Hamra attended to express solidarity from a unique perspective. “For us Jews, life is everything, and the lives of our hostages mean everything to me,” he said. “We have an obligation to keep fighting for their release.”

The event underscored the collective effort needed to keep the hostage crisis in public awareness. As Unger urged, “Let’s continue to love and fight for each other stay united and don’t let the noise drown out what we are standing for.”

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