A year after the devastating Hamas attacks on Israel, four American hostages remain missing, captured during the events of October 7, 2023.
These individuals were taken alongside over 250 others during a Hamas attack on Israeli communities and a music festival.
So, who are they?
Omer Neutra, a 22-year-old Israeli soldier from Long Island, New York, was captured while defending against the surprise attack.
Sagui Dekel-Chen, 35, was kidnapped from his kibbutz, Nir Oz, one of the hardest-hit communities during the attack. A father of three, Dekel-Chen had been working in his machine shop when the attack began. His family, originally from Connecticut, holds on to the hope that he will be reunited with his young daughters.
Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old Israeli soldier from Tenafly, New Jersey, was stationed near the Gaza border when Hamas broke through.
Alexander, who delayed college to serve in the military, was seen alive in Gaza’s tunnels, described as “skinny” but “in good mood” by released hostages.
Keith Siegel, a 64-year-old occupational therapist, was taken from Kibbutz Kfar Aza with his wife, Aviva. While Aviva was released during a cease-fire in November, Siegel remains captive. His wife now advocates for his release, driven by the trauma of her captivity.
These hostages are more than names; they are fathers, sons, husbands, and heroes.
As the first anniversary of their kidnapping passes, it’s an important reminder that their suffering continues, and efforts to bring them home must continue.
More on the hostages:
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/world/american-hostages-hamas-gaza-kidnapped-rcna170170
