A 19-year-old soldier and talented violinist. A 28-year-old fashion stylist with a growing following on social media. A 28-year-old with a passion for astronomy.
These are some of the Israeli female hostages still missing since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and believed to be held captive in Gaza.
A group of supporters gathered on Sunday at the Mid-Island JCC in Plainview for a solemn ceremony that focused on the plight of the captives while also honoring them in recognition of International Women’s Day.
“These are women taken from their homes, from their bases or from a dance party while just going about their normal lives — young women with hopes and dreams and a thirst for life,” said Rachel Cronin of Melville, who helped lead the ceremony. “They have been enduring an unspeakable reality for five months.”
Supporters of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas attend Sunday’s event in Plainview at the Mid-Island JCC.
Credit: Debbie Egan-Chin
Every Sunday, supporters of all the hostages gather at Country Pointe Plainview to make the 1.5 mile walk to the JCC as part of a global effort called “Run for their Lives.” One of those held captive, 22-year-old Omer Neutra, is from Plainview. He went to Israel, where his parents were born and raised, to join the army several years ago.
Sunday’s ceremony focused on the female hostages and came after Friday’s International Women’s Day. The Plainview event drew about 100 people to the JCC, including Assemb. Jake Blumencranz (R-Oyster Bay), Assemb. Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) and Nassau County Legislator Mazi Melesa Pilip.
Many people who attended complained there has not been enough public attention on the those still held by Hamas
“The hostages are the number one priority and we have to bring them home regardless of everything else,” said Claudia Floman of Syosset, as she waited with others for the JCC ceremony to begin.
The Oct. 7 surprise attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants resulted in the…
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