United in Tragedy: Parents of Israeli Hostages Plea for Bipartisan Action

In an emotional appeal, Ronen and Orna Neutra, parents of Omer Neutra who has been held captive by Hamas since October 2024, urge both the DNC and RNC to put politics aside and prioritize the release of their son and the remaining 108 hostages. As small business owners who were not previously politically engaged, the Neutras have been thrust into the world of politics, attending events such as the State of the Union address, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's speech to Congress, and both the Democratic and Republican National Conventions. They have met with President Joe Biden, Vice President Kamala Harris, and former President Donald Trump, as well as dozens of government officials and members of Congress from both sides of the aisle. Despite their newfound political involvement, the Neutras maintain that their message is not political, but rather a plea for humanity. With reports of starvation, torture, and sexual abuse, the Neutras emphasize that the captivity of the hostages is a global humanitarian crisis that requires unity and focus. As negotiations between Israel and Hamas continue, the Neutras urge leaders to work across the aisle and treat the situation as the bipartisan humanitarian crisis it is, emphasizing that finger pointing and taking credit for progress will not bring their son and the other hostages home. The Neutras dream of the day they can leave politics behind and be reunited with their son at the Gaza border, resuming their cherished life with all their children