More than 5,000 people are believed to have taken part in a vigil at Columbus Circle for hostages held by Hamas and those who have been killed while in captivity, Sunday, September 1, 2024.
© Kevin R. Wexler / NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK
(New York, NY) – After six more Israeli hostages were found dead on Saturday in Gaza, calls are growing louder for the remaining captives to be freed. Protests unfolded in Tel Aviv on Sunday and continued again today, as there was a similar event in New York City. A vigil was held at Central Park and upward of 5,000 gathered in Columbus Circle.
Among the six hostages found dead this weekend is 23-year-old American-Israeli Hersh Goldberg-Polin. His parents have been outspoken advocates for the freeing of the hostages. They have ties to the Chicago region and they spoke at last month’s DNC. Seven hostages with American citizenship continue to be held by Hamas — dating back to the October 7th terrorist attack.
The White House says both President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have been in contact with the killed hostage’s families. National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan says he’s also made contact with them. Talks aimed at achieving a ceasefire and the freeing of hostages stalled in recent weeks.
Former President Trump took to X and blasted the White House as well as Vice President Harris for the hostages’ deaths. He says failed leadership resulted in the murder of Goldberg-Polin.
