“There can be no peace without the safe return of these innocent, courageous men and women,” State Sen. Jake Ashby said at the event organized by Run for Their Lives.
A bipartisan group of New York’s political leaders participated in one of the weekly events led by an organization committed to the release of the 134 men, women and children being held in the Gaza Strip by Hamas since Oct. 7.
Run for Their Lives led an April 2 demonstration at the state capitol building in Albany, N.Y., where activists and state officials raised awareness about the importance of recovering the hostages still being held captive. As many as 20% are estimated not to be alive.
“We are rallying here today to demand the release of all the innocent men and women who are prisoners of war. Elected officials who support freedom must take action and call for an end to their captivity and their peaceful release back to their loved ones,” said State Sen. Rob Ortt.
Will Barclay, a Republican leader in the New York State House, said, “I remain unwavering in my support for Israel and the Jewish population, and demand the hostages be released immediately.”
Shaina Roth, president of the New York Jewish Student Union, called on her colleagues to “use your voice, go to your local weekly walk for the hostages, put up posters to spread awareness, stand up to antisemitism, and don’t be afraid to speak out against what you know is wrong.”
Roth said she had “learned from my leadership in the Run for Their Lives movement how much of a difference I can make. It’s been 179 days too long. Bring them home now.”
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