On Sunday, a substantial gathering took place in Central Park, demonstrating defiance and solidarity in the wake of a recent terror attack in Colorado. Attendees rallied to support hostages in Gaza while honoring two Americans who were killed by Hamas. Organized supporters emphasized their commitment to advocating for those still held captive, reflecting an intensified need for solidarity among the community following the tragic events in Boulder, which had targeted a pro-hostage rally.
Among the crowd was Raz Ben Ami, a former hostage who expressed profound emotions upon witnessing such a large turnout. After surviving her own 54-day ordeal as a captive, she felt a renewed sense of purpose in her advocacy, despite the fear instilled by the recent violence against the Jewish community. Her participation in the rally symbolized a broader resilience among the community, demonstrating that they wouldn’t be intimidated by acts of terror.
Ben Ami recounted the traumatic experiences of the October 7 terrorist attack, where she was forcibly taken from her home. Though her home might be restored, she would feel too terrified to return. In an emotional appeal, she urged the current administration to continue efforts to free those still held hostage, highlighting their voicelessness and the profound need for collective action in their freedom. She placed her faith in former President Trump, believing he could facilitate their release as he had previously.
Jeffrey Prez, a 70-year-old corporate-real-estate worker, shared the sentiment of defiance against the Boulder attack. His attendance at the rally served as a statement of resilience, emphasizing that when faced with violence, the community would respond with an even greater show of solidarity. Prez and others echoed this sentiment of courage, expressing that they were not afraid to stand up for their rights and the plight of those in captivity.
Elana Huber, a 38-year-old business analyst, reinforced the importance of attending the rally in the face of recent violence. She spoke to the inherent right to gather and show solidarity, highlighting that no one should be harmed for expressing support for fellow community members. The gathering aimed to foster unity and signify that the Jewish community would not be cowed by fear or violence.
Event organizers, including Eilon Baer, acknowledged the persistent security concerns faced by Jewish events, particularly following a worrying rise in antisemitic attacks. This rally not only served its primary purpose of advocating for hostages but also doubled as a memorial for Judi Weinstein and Gad Haggai, two Israeli-Americans tragically killed during the October 7 attack. Their recent acknowledgment provided a moment of reflection and mourning for the community as they continued to advocate for justice and solidarity in these challenging times.
