Every Second Counts

Bring every hostage home NOW

On Sept. 3, NCJW joined partners including Adas Israel, the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington, American Jewish Committee, the Jewish Community Relations Council, the ADL for the “National Vigil for the Hostages” to honor the light and legacy of the hostages recently killed by Hamas, and the 100+ more still in captivity. 

The following excerpt captures NCJW CEO Sheila Katz’s remarks prior to her introducing the hostage families. Click here for coverage of the event, including the Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff’s reflections.

We gather to grieve for the six hostages—Alexander, Almog, Carmel, Eden, Hersh, and Ori—executed by Hamas this weekend. After enduring 11 months of unimaginable conditions, their deaths, just 24 hours before a planned rescue, somehow makes this profound tragedy even more heartbreaking.

We are here to remember these holy people and all the hostages killed since October 7. Through the tireless work of their families and friends, we have come to know the beautiful people behind the label of “hostage” over the last 333 days. We have learned their stories, their hopes, their dreams. They have become our extended family, and we grieve as one. 

As we process the pain of this moment, let us also remember our sacred interconnectedness, and work towards a future that honors us all.  We must do everything we can to honor their memories and to bring the remaining hostages home. Bring them home. Now. Every second counts. 

To each of the family members here, we stand with you arm in arm, we pray with you, and now we mourn with you. We will not allow for your loved ones to be forgotten. We will do everything we can to bring the remaining hostages home now.