An interfaith conference held in New York City aimed to bring attention to the hostages still in Hamas custody and to urge world leaders to work towards their safe return to their families. Rabbi Joel M. Levenson emphasized the importance of religious leaders speaking up for humanity, finding common ground, and healing divisions. The event, hosted by the United Jewish Appeal Federation of New York, allowed family members of hostages taken in Israel on October 7 to share their fears, hopes, and concerns. They highlighted the need for moderate voices to be heard and for communication to play a key role in resolving conflicts.
Among the family members present was Aviva Siegel, a returning hostage whose husband remains in Hamas captivity. She described the cruel conditions she endured, including a lack of food and water, and spoke of the atrocities committed by Hamas during the attack. The families stressed the importance of addressing the suffering and uncertainty they face while their loved ones remain captive. They emphasized the need for global support and solidarity to ensure the safe return of the hostages and to combat extreme actions and views.
The family members included Israeli Muslim men who also shared their experiences and emphasized the need for unity and cooperation in resolving conflicts. They spoke of the suffering of families waiting for their loved ones to return and the impact that prolonged captivity has had on them. The speakers highlighted the shared humanity and common bonds that exist among all people, regardless of religious or cultural differences. They called for efforts to ensure the safe return of all hostages and to work towards peace and understanding.
Speakers at the conference emphasized the importance of educating oneself on the conflict and the actions of terrorist organizations like Hamas. They called for a recognition of Israel’s right to sovereignty, safety, and security for its citizens. The need for normalization of relations between Israel and the Muslim world was stressed as a crucial step towards resolving longstanding conflicts and building bridges between communities. Efforts to combat misinformation, promote dialogue, and foster understanding were seen as essential in promoting peace and reconciliation.
The event highlighted the urgent need to bring attention to the hostages still in Hamas captivity and to work towards their release. Family members shared their personal stories and experiences, shedding light on the suffering and uncertainty they face daily. The conference emphasized the importance of unity, compassion, and understanding in addressing conflicts and building a more peaceful world. Participants expressed hope that their message would inspire others to join in their efforts to bring about change and ensure justice for all those affected by violence and conflict.
In conclusion, the interfaith conference in New York City brought together religious leaders and families affected by the hostage crisis to call for action and solidarity in seeking the safe return of the hostages. The event underscored the importance of shared humanity, dialogue, and cooperation in addressing conflicts and promoting peace. Speakers emphasized the need for education, empathy, and understanding in confronting extremist ideologies and working towards reconciliation. The conference served as a platform for voices advocating for justice, compassion, and unity in the face of adversity and called upon leaders and individuals worldwide to join in the efforts to bring about positive change and healing.
