Family fights against release of terrorist who killed soldier decades ago

In Israel, a New York family is vocal about their concerns regarding a potential deal between Israel and Hamas that could result in the release of several Palestinian prisoners, including Jamal Al-Hur. Al-Hur is a member of Hamas and currently serving three life sentences for his role in the murder of Sharon Edri, a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces, in September 1996. At just 20 years old, Edri was brutally killed; the family described the aftermath, noting horrific details about the state of his body when found. Now, almost three decades later, with reports of Hamas demanding the release of multiple terrorists in exchange for hostages, Edri's family is worried that releasing Al-Hur and others would lead to more violence rather than peace. They fear that Al-Hur, once released, will continue his cycle of violence, having previously planned further attacks against Israeli citizens. The family, particularly Edri's sister, Danielle Karten, has taken the initiative to start a petition appealing to the Israeli government to reconsider any such releases, They emphasize the potential for increased bloodshed if violent offenders are freed, arguing that these individuals are unlikely to reform and will resume their terrorist activities. This sentiment has been echoed by other family members who have lost loved ones to violence, advocating for safety and stability over compassion for imprisoned terrorists. The family recalls a meeting with the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at Edri's funeral, where he vowed to take measures to prevent future atrocities like this. As discussions around a potential peace deal loom, the Karten family remains hopeful that their efforts will resonate with Israeli leadership and influence the decision-making process, underlining the complexities and ethical dilemmas associated with negotiating peace in a conflict marred by deep-seated grievances and historical violence.