Families of Israeli-American hostages ask the White House: Where is plan B?

• Published date: 19 April 2024
• Author: HANNAH SARISOHN
• Publication title: Jerusalem Post, The: Web Edition Articles (Israel)

Ruby Chen, father of 19-year-old Itay Chen, whose body was taken into Gaza after he was murdered on October 7, reiterated the families' appreciation for access to and communication with the Biden administration, which he said is unprecedented

But as Hamas continues to turn down the deals put on the table, Chen is asking for Plan B. "We're still waiting to hear what other alternatives the US administration has planned," he said.

The families are also hearing the administration's frustration with Hamas as they rejected the latest deal, which Ronen Neutra, father of 22-year-old hostage Omer Neutra, said was accepted by all parties including Egypt, Qatar and even Israel, which agreed to accept its hard terms.

Yet Hamas rejected it, Neutra said.

"This obviously is very concerning, and the administration is forced to think about creating ways to try and bring Hamas back to the table," Chen said, "and help us get a deal that we all are so interested in, in order to see our kids back home and our families back home as soon as possible."

The families are calling on the international community to move the pressure onto Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar.

"He's the obstacle; he's the problem," Chen said.

Hersh Goldberg-Polin

Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of 23-year-old hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin, questioned the silence from leaders of the 25 other countries whose citizens make up the remaining hostages.

She also questioned the absence of the interfaith community from their efforts as the hostages are comprised of Christians, Jews, Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus. It gets lost in the noise that these people are diverse, she said.

"We need to galvanize people from all over the world, whether you have someone who is being held there from your country or not," Goldberg-Polin said. "My question for you on the Eve of Passover in a few days is: Where are you?"

Sagui Dekel-Chen

Jonathan Dekel-Chen, father of 35-year-old hostage Sagui Dekel-Chen, said the world became an even more dangerous place...