After New Photos Released, Hostage Parents Demand Immediate Meeting with Netanyahu

media contacts
Omer Tuval
+ 972 52-222-0936

Or Moshe
+ 972 50-831-0665
media@bringthemhomenow.net

After Revealing Photos of Female Observers in Hamas Captivity: Parents Demand Immediate Meeting with Prime Minister

*Ayelet Levy Shachar, mother of Naama Levy: “The Prime Minister asked me to join him on his flight to the U.S. for his speech to Congress, and I explained that I cannot and will not feel comfortable joining him until I see that the negotiations regarding my Naama’s release are completed”*

With the return of their daughters and other hostages closer than ever, the families of the female observers held a press conference this evening (Tuesday). They demanded an immediate meeting with the Prime Minister before his trip to Congress.

Ayelet Levy Shachar, mother of Naama Levy:
“The Prime Minister asked me to join him on his flight to the U.S. for his speech to Congress, and I explained that I cannot and will not feel comfortable joining him until I see that the negotiations regarding my Naama’s release are completed. Until then, I’m staying here in Israel and continuing to fight to save my Naama. As the deal progresses and Naama and all other hostages are saved, I could come and join even with her in his delegation.

Meanwhile, I’m staying here and asking you, look into her eyes, Mr. Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister. Meet with us immediately so we can make her voice heard. This is not the time for trips; this is the time to close a deal and bring the hostages home. Netanyahu: First a deal, then you can travel. This is not the time for showy trips; this is the time to advance an agreement and bring the hostages home.”

Shira Albag, mother of Liri Albag:
“Our girls and all other hostages face daily life-threatening danger. As reported yesterday, we were informed of the importance of exhausting all efforts in the coming days – before the Prime Minister’s trip to Washington. Gallant told us, “When a deal wasn’t feasible, I told you. Now it is! So here I say: this is the closest we’ve ever been!” Now is the time to sign! It’s time to bring back my Liri, it’s time to bring everyone back.

Netanyahu, you promised us, and it’s time to deliver. We demand a meeting with you now, before your trip. You owe us at least this much”.

Albert Ariev, father of Karina Ariev:
“My little Karina, only 19 years old, is in Gaza. Today, you see footage of Karina and her friends in their first days of captivity. It’s so vivid – Karina sitting on a mattress on the floor, with an exhausted and desperate look. She has a shocking bandage on her head with dried blood. On her leg, you can see fresh blood stains seeping into her pajama pants. There are strong marks of handcuffs and binding on her wrists. Swelling in her hands indicates that Karina was bound for a long time. You see one frame, but in the video, you can see facial wounds likely caused by shrapnel when the terrorists invaded the shelter.

The agreement currently on the table is the closest we’ve ever been. Since the morning of October 7th, Karina’s words are etched in my memory: “Dad, I’m scared.” And I am helpless; I can do nothing. My little daughter, wounded, bleeding, has been in Gaza for over nine months! All we ask is for Karina back; we want our small family to be whole again”.

Shlomi Berger, father of Agam Berger:
“Mr. Prime Minister, this is a personal appeal to you, first, close the deal! Then you can travel safely and return safely. This is not the time for trips when your presence here, at the most critical time for our country, is essential. 

To the world in general and Qatar in particular, I say – the picture of Haniyeh that was deliberately and intentionally placed behind our daughters shows that there is no separation between the military wing and the political bureau of the Hamas terrorist organization. Those who give them shelter will have to provide explanations when the time comes. They are all jointly responsible for the terrible massacre and for holding all the hostages for more than nine months, 284 days”.

Orly Gilboa, mother of Daniella Gilboa:
“I address the Prime Minister – Today you met with representatives of the parents of sixteen observers who were murdered on October 7th. They were all friends of Daniella, close friends in heart and soul. They all did everything for the country and stood bravely until they were murdered and burned by Hamas terrorists on that cursed Saturday. We are all one family, and as such, I know that the families approached you and shared their genuine and heavy concern that our daughters might join the list of the murdered.

The families told us they expressed to you that their healing depends on the safe return of our daughters. Our struggle is shared – it’s the struggle of the hostages’ families, the bereaved families, and all of Israel.

I repeat my request, Prime Minister, to meet with us before your departure to Congress. I reiterate that if you choose to travel for a speech – let it be a speech declaring an immediate hostage deal. A deal that will restore the strength, the joy, the power of the State of Israel, and most importantly, bring back my Daniella.

This struggle is not just ours; it belongs to the families of the hostages, the bereaved families, and all of Israel. I implore you again, Prime Minister, to meet with us before you leave for Congress. If you must go to give a speech, let it be one that announces an immediate deal for the hostages – a deal that will restore Israel’s strength, joy, and power, and most importantly, bring my Daniella home.”

Attached photos credited to: Paulina Patimer