In a striking effort to galvanize American public opinion, the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its New York consulate have unveiled a high-impact campaign in the heart of Times Square. Utilizing the square's world-renowned giant screens, the initiative aims to draw attention to the dire situation of Israeli hostages held by Hamas. Highlighting the tragic loss of those who have perished in captivity, the campaign calls for urgent action to secure the safe return of all remaining hostages.
Video: Images of hostages killed by Hamas displayed in Times Square
The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in conjunction with its New York consulate, rolled out the powerful campaign in Times Square on Wednesday. The initiative, designed to shine a spotlight on the plight of Israeli hostages in Hamas custody, will dominate the iconic giant screens throughout the weekend. At the center of this visual narrative is a sobering video tribute to all hostages who have lost their lives while in captivity.
This high-profile campaign seeks to convey an unambiguous message to both the American public and the throngs of daily visitors to Times Square: Hamas has abducted innocent civilians, some of whom were killed in cold blood while continuing to subject the remaining hostages to physical and psychological torment. The overarching goal of this initiative is to heighten awareness and amplify calls for the swift repatriation of all hostages.
Ophir Akunis, Israel's Consul General in New York, offered a poignant statement: "On October 7th, Hamas forcibly took numerous Israelis into the labyrinth of tunnels beneath Gaza. Many, including Hersh [Goldberg-Polin], Eden [Yerushalmi], Ori [Danino], Carmel [Gat], Almog [Sarusi], and Alex [Lobanov], were brutally murdered. The blood of these innocent lives stains the hands of Yahya Sinwar, the Hamas leader. Our resolve remains unshaken – we will persist until every hostage is returned and Sinwar's organization is completely dismantled."
