Over 150 NYC Marathon Runners Show Solidarity with Israeli Hostages

In a powerful display of solidarity, more than 150 runners in Sunday’s New York City Marathon dedicated their race to raising awareness for the 101 Israeli and foreign hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. Dubbed the “Run for their Lives” team, the runners donned t-shirts bearing the images of five hostages who were avid marathon and triathlon competitors: Edan Alexander, Evyatar David, Naama Levy, Doron Steinbrecher, and Ohad Yahalomi.

The initiative was organized by Bring Them Home Now, a volunteer group committed to securing the release of the hostages. As the runners traversed the marathon’s 26.2-mile course, they were met with cheers and encouragement from the massive crowds lining the streets of New York City.

“We are here to…raise awareness for the hostages in captivity,” Dana Cwaigrach, one of the event’s organizers, told The New York Post. The Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a New York-based group, also promoted the event with the poignant message: “We are running for those who can’t.”

Among the supporters present was Yoni Levy, father of Naama Levy, one of the female border observers abducted from the Nahal Oz army base during the Hamas-led assault on October 7. “Naama participated in triathlons and races with deep passion and courage,” he said. “If she would have known people would be running for her, she’d be excited and thankful for the support and for people fighting to bring her home.”

At Columbus Circle near the finish line, Alexander’s family, residing in nearby New Jersey, gathered hundreds of supporters. They distributed Israeli flags with interwoven yellow ribbons and signs featuring the hostages’ faces and ages now marked by the duration of their captivity.

Spectators along the marathon route expressed relief and gratitude for the absence of anti-Israel rhetoric during the event. “Thank God, I didn’t see any pro-Palestinian stuff [either],” remarked one supporter, who was buoyed by the overwhelming positivity surrounding the cause.

The NYC Marathon, the largest in the world, hosts over 55,000 participants from around the globe. Many runners dedicate their efforts to various charities and causes, but this year, the “Run for their Lives” team stood out as a poignant reminder of the ongoing plight of the hostages and the urgent need for international solidarity.

If you found this story moving, please share it or subscribe to our newsletter for more updates on global events that connect with Israel.