Hostages remain in captivity a year after the Oct. 7 attacks
CENTRAL PARK, Manhattan (PIX11) — October 7th marks a year since the attack as war continues to rage between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip despite efforts to reach a diplomatic resolution.
Hundreds gathered in Central Park Sunday afternoon, to remember those who have died and ask for the release of the remaining hostages.
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Friends and family members of those who remain in captivity said it is a gut-wrenching agony not knowing if their loved ones are even alive.
It's been 365 days of grief, anger, and pain for families and loved ones of those killed in Gaza during the October 7th attack by Hamas and of those who remain in captivity.
"On October 7th, 1145 hundred people were murdered including children, civilians, and soldiers. There is nothing to justify what is happening and there are also a lot of lives lost in Gaza and Palestine," said Dana Cwaigrach, head of the Hostages and Missing Families Forum of New York.
"It's been a year since that horrific Saturday and my son Edan along with 100 over hostages are still being held in Gaza," said Yael Alexander, she is the mother of 20-year-old Edan. He became an Israeli soldier after graduating high school in Tenafly, New Jersey. He was stationed near the Gaza Strip on the morning of October 7th when he was taken captive by Hamas.
"Israel and the international community have the strength to make this happen, but we need action and we need it now, Edan and the rest of the hostages deserve to be free," she added.
Alexander can't put into words the feeling of not knowing about her son's well-being. Edan's dad says hope is what keeps them going.
"To stay strong, survive, we are fighting for you, stay hopeful," he said.
"It's really painful. I can't believe a whole year went by," said Cstie.
October 7th, 2023, quickly became the worst terror attack on Israel.
During Sunday's rally at Central Park, a wall of hope with the faces of Hama's remaining hostages was lifted. Faces that are just like those who have died and cannot be forgotten.
"The impact of it being a whole year is really striking, devastating to think about these innocent young people, babies, grandparents who were taken for no reason," said Sharon Sturm.
