Family Israeli Hostages At Democratic Convention
By Stefan J. Bos, Chief International Correspondent Worthy News
JERUSALEM/CHICAGO (Worthy News) – Family members of eight American hostages were to attend the U.S. Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago, which Israeli media called “an arena of pro-Palestinian protestors and disruptions.”
The American hostage families said they wanted to keep in the spotlight their detained loved ones
Liz Hersh Naftali, the great aunt of four-year-old Abigail Mor Edan, who was taken hostage on October 7 and released 50 days later, said their wishes should not be opposite from what pro-Palestinian groups are calling for.
The family members of hostages have urged a ceasefire, the hostages’ release, and humanitarian aid for Gaza.
They were to be in the crowd Monday in Chicago when U.S. President Joe Biden was to speak at the DNC for a likely turbulent crowd.
Biden declined to address questions about delegates calling for a total arms embargo on Israel or confirmation that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to a U.S. “bridging” ceasefire proposal with Hamas.
UNCOMMITTED DELEGATES
He also did not address the delegates who don’t support the presumed Democratic presidential nominee and current vice president, Kamala Harris.
Instead of voting for Harris, the “uncommitted” delegates nominated victims from Gaza. Mohammed was among the delegates who participated in the protest.
“I submitted my vote for Reem Badwan, a three-year-old who was murdered in an Israeli air strike in Gaza,” one of the delegates, Mohammed, told Qatar-based broadcaster Al Jazeera. “And I made clear my vote [in the general election] was contingent on a ceasefire and an arms embargo.”
The U.S. delayed but still continued weapon deliveries to Israel that Palestinians say are used in Gaza.
Israel says its war is needed to destroy Hamas after the Gaza-based group entered Israel on October 7, killing some 1,200 people and kidnapping hundreds.
The Hamas-run Health Ministry claims more than 40,000 Palestinians have so far died in the 10-month war, without differentiating between fighters and civilians. The figures have been complex to verify independently.
If you are interested in articles produced by Worthy News, please check out our FREE sydication service available to churches or online Christian ministries. To find out more, visit Worthy Plugins.