Families recount harrowing tales of loved ones held hostage by Hamas at Capitol Hill roundtable

WASHINGTON (TND) — Families of hostages being held by Hamas shared their heartbreaking stories during a public roundtable discussion held Wednesday on Capitol Hill.

The House Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on the Middle East, North Africa, and Central Asia hosted the

Unimaginable that we find comfort in the fact that he was taken hostage and not murdered," Orna Neutra explained during the event. "Fifty-four days since the last sign of life, can you imagine?

Orna and her husband, Ronen, shared their lives have completely been turned upside down since their 22-year-old son, Omer Neutra was abducted by Hamas. He is a dual Israeli-American citizen serving in the Israeli military.

Itay Chen, 19, is also an Israeli soldier and is also a Hamas hostage.

We live in a different universe than you do," said Itay's father, Ruby Chen. "Unfortunately, we celebrated Thanksgiving with an empty chair at our table. We want to be whole again with our families.

He is urging Congress and the international community to get his son and the dozens of other hostages not yet released home as soon as possible.

"Time is running out," Chen warned.

The Neutras and the Chens were just two of the several families who testified Wednesday.

The stories of the unpredictable plight of these hostages sparked an often rare sight on Capitol Hill, bipartisanship.

"I will say, I’m proud of this Administration for standing with Israel," Rep. Michael McCaul, R-Texas, Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "I will not rest. I know the Ranking Member will not rest, and Members on this committee will not rest until we bring every American back home."

The horrors of Hamas were not just a focus in the House, but in the Senate too.

Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand, D-N.Y., gave a Wednesday morning about hostages that have been released by Hamas and the ones who are still being held in Gaza.

These families have already endured the worst traumas imaginable and yet now they have still been ripped apart with no idea when they’ll see their fathers, and brothers, and sons again," she explained.

The families are also demanding proof of life, medical condition updates, and the ability of Red Cross workers to visit the hostages. In the meantime, they hold onto hope that they will see their loved ones again.

"Hopefully we can be whole again," Chen said.