The American Jewish Congress is moved to see the release of four young Israeli women: Karina, Daniela, Naama, and Liri. We have waited so long to see you alive, healthy, and reunite with your families at home.
The release of these abducted young women comes after yet another heart-wrenching and brutal day in which the murderous Hamas terrorist organization once again violated the ceasefire agreement and failed to honor its commitments. Instead of fulfilling its obligation to release first all civilian women abducted from their homes, Hamas has not released Arbel Yehud (29), who was kidnapped on October 7th from her home in Kibbutz Nir Oz. Tragically, her brother, Dolev, initially presumed to be a hostage, was later confirmed murdered on the same day, and his body was found in Kibbutz Nir Oz.
We were horrified by the grotesque spectacle staged by Hamas during the release of these young women, showcasing their cruelty and inhumanity. Holding them in captivity for over 15 months without basic conditions or humanitarian aid reflects the depths of their depravity. This barbaric display was a calculated act to exploit their suffering for propaganda. It serves as a stark reminder to the world of the monstrous enemy we face.
While we rejoice in the return of Karina, Daniela, Naama, and Liri, we remain gravely concerned for the 90 Israeli hostages still held captive by Hamas, including infants, women, children, and elderly individuals. Every day they remain in captivity is a dire threat to their lives. Over the devastating 15 months since October 7th, numerous hostages who were taken alive have tragically been murdered while in the hands of Hamas.
The return of Karina, Daniela, Naama, and Liri, who were all abducted from the IDF base at Nahal Oz, fills our hearts with hope that all the hostages will soon be freed from the clutches of these despicable terrorists.
About the Released Young Women:
Karina Aryeh (20) from Jerusalem: Early in the war, Karina’s family was horrified to discover a video on Telegram showing her abduction by Hamas terrorists. Later, they received a heartbreaking farewell message from her, in which she asked her sister to care for their parents if she didn’t survive. Her resilience inspired us all.
Daniela Gilboa (20) from Petah Tikva: Daniela appeared in a Hamas video released in January alongside Karina. In her harrowing words revealed months later, she described her suffering in captivity, saying, “I don’t know when or if I’ll ever return home.”
Naama Levy (20) from Ra’anana: Naama’s kidnapping was widely documented in images that shocked the world. A picture of her blood-stained pants became a haunting symbol of the horrific sexual war crimes perpetrated by Hamas on October 7th.
Liri Elbag (19) from Moshav Yarchiv: Liri had only just arrived at the Nahal Oz base days before the October 7thmassacre. Her final messages to her family expressed calm to avoid causing them worry. Videos released during her captivity revealed her deteriorating condition, leaving her family deeply concerned for her well-being.
Karina, Daniela, Naama, and Liri, we are relieved to see you back home. At the same time, our hearts remain heavy as we advocate for the immediate release of the 90 hostages still held by Hamas, and we share the deep anguish of the families still waiting for their loved ones to return.
We will not rest until every hostage is freed and the perpetrators of these heinous crimes are held accountable.