Families of American Hostages Speak at National Press Club on Sept. 18

On September 18, at 10 a.m., families of seven American hostages held in Gaza will gather at the National Press Club for a Headliners Newsmaker event. This event marks the approach of the one-year anniversary of the ongoing hostage crisis, during which the families have been actively seeking a resolution for the safe return of their loved ones. They will highlight the urgent need for international pressure on Hamas, particularly in light of recent violations of agreements and the brutal execution of six hostages last month. The speakers at the event include parents of hostages who are members of the Israel Defense Forces, as well as relatives of those who have been affected by the crisis. Among them are Ronen and Orna Neutra, whose son Omer was defending the Gaza border when he was taken hostage, and Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son Sagui is a professor and father of three. The families will share their personal experiences and the challenges they have faced over the past year. The event is intended to raise awareness about the plight of the hostages and the emotional toll on their families. It serves as a platform for the families to express their determination to bring their loved ones home safely. The ongoing situation has drawn significant media attention, and the families hope to leverage this to garner support for their cause. This Headliners event is exclusive to credentialed media and Club members, emphasizing the importance of the issue at hand and the need for continued advocacy for the hostages' safe return.