‘It’s day 153 – make a deal’: hostage families implore international community ahead of Chief Rabbi’s Shabbat for Israel

Relatives of hostages held in Gaza asked the world to keep their loved ones on the international news agenda at an emotional press conference at the Israeli embassy on Thursday.

Speaking ahead of the Chief Rabbi’s special Shabbat for Israel this weekend, when 17 family members will address synagogue communities across London, several addressed a packed room of international press.

Speaking were: Michal Cohen, sister of kidnapped 26-year old Eliya Cohen; Yehuda Cohen, (no relation to Michal) father of kidnapped 19-year old Nimrod Cohen; Diana Levinson, grandmother of murdered 19-year old Shay Levinson, from the IDF’s 7th Armored Brigade’s 77th Battalion, whose body is still held hostage in Gaza; Michael Levy, brother of 33-year old kidnapped Or Levy; Inbal Zach, cousin of 39-year old kidnapped Tal Shoham, taken hostage from Kibbutz Be’eri; Avivit Yablonka, sister of 42-year old Chanan Yablonka, missing but presumed hostage; Orit Meir, mother of kidnapped Almog Meir Jan and ⁠Gili Roman, cousin of 39-year old Carmel Gat, whose sister-in-law Yarden was released in November.

With the group declaring that the return of just one hostage will give them hope, Orit Meir highlighted their devastation at their loved ones “languishing in Hamas tunnels for 153 days. They don’t have time.”

Michael Levy said: “My brother decided to go to a music festival and my life’s mission is to bring him back. This is not about politics. This is about human beings. We do not hate anyone. We want our  loved ones back.”

Diana Levinson said her murdered grandson had “fought for half an hour against invaders and murderers” until his tank was hit by an anti-tank missile. “No burial. No grave. His body is still in Gaza. But we still have another 130 hostages and every extra day is damaging their chances of coming home. We need them back.”

“Would you react quietly, or would you shout out to the world?” asked Gil Roman, whose sister was returned after 54 days. “None of us can give up on our loved ones or those held in hell.”

Inbal Zach said: “They’re not just a poster. They’re not just our family. They are your family.”

Ahead of the start of Ramadan, the Hamas delegation has left the negotiating table in Cairo with no agreement being made for a ceasefire or hostage release.