Hundreds of New Yorkers attend rally calling for release of hostages by Hamas

Hundreds of New Yorkers attend rally calling for release of hostages by Hamas

NEW YORK (PIX11) — After three hostages’ bodies were returned from the Gaza Strip by the Israel Defense Forces, hundreds of people across New York City gathered on Sunday, calling for the rest of the hostages to be released.

People who participated in these events told PIX11 News that it is very important to send strong messages of hope and to demand the release of the hostages so that this period of suffering can come to an end for everyone.

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Before flying her yellow kite in Central Park Sunday afternoon, Zohar Tirosh-Polk wrote the names of the five members of the Kutz family killed in Israel by Hamas on the morning of the October 7th attack.

“Their resilience spirit has spread its wing and flew all over the country and all over the world,” said the close friend of the Kutz family.

Flying kites with positive messages of hope was a tradition started by the Kutz family in the small village of Kfar Aza, located along the Gaza Strip.

“We are here to echo their message and call for the release of our hostages,” stated Omer Lubaton from the Hostages Family Forum.

At least 128 people are still being held hostage in Gaza.

Down in South Brooklyn, elected officials, community organizations, advocates, and leaders took it to the streets, letting their voices be heard.

“There are two boys almost the same age as my sons being held captive for over seven months,” said Ariel Noyman.

Authorities in Israel identified the bodies found as those of a 28-year-old and, a 22-year-old woman and a 56-year-old man.  All three of them had attended the Tribe of Nova music festival.

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