Anxious NY Families Await Release of Loved Ones Held Hostage by Hamas

Hamas has taken over 200 Israelis hostage after an attack on the Gaza border on October 7. More than 1,200 Israelis were killed in the attack, and 13,000 Palestinians have died in the war between Israel and Hamas. Families in New York are anxiously awaiting the release of the hostages, with at least nine hostages having ties to the New York area. The fate of 14 hostages from the U.S. remains uncertain. There are reports that negotiations to release about 50 women and children taken hostage by Hamas might result in a deal. However, nothing is certain yet, and negotiators warn that things could fall apart. Families of the hostages, such as the one of Omri Miran, still hope for their return. Moshe Lavi, whose brother-in-law is one of the hostages, urges the release of all the hostages. It remains unknown whether a prospective deal will apply to Miran. The family is suffering from trauma and uncertainty about Miran’s well-being. Another family hopes for the immediate return of Hagar Brodutch and her children. Jonathan Dekel-Chen is nervous about the situation and hopes for the safe return of his son. Although some hostages have been reported dead, many families pray for the safe return of their loved ones.