The family of Israeli hostage Nimrod Cohen is making their voices heard in New York this week as they protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's focus on Hezbollah in Lebanon instead of prioritizing efforts to secure the release of hostages in Gaza.
Romi Cohen, Nimrod's sister, emphasized the importance of keeping the issue of hostages alive and not forgetting about them amidst the ongoing conflicts. The family criticized Netanyahu for allegedly prioritizing vengeance and political power over the lives of Israeli civilians and soldiers.
Yehuda Cohen, Nimrod's father, expressed his desire for his son to return safely and criticized Netanyahu for allegedly prolonging the war for personal gain. The family's sentiments were echoed by Zahiro Shahar Mor, the nephew of another Israeli hostage, Avraham Munder, who warned against escalating conflicts in Lebanon.
Eran Etzion, a former Israeli official, joined the protest to advocate for an immediate hostage deal and ceasefire agreement, accusing Netanyahu of acting against the national interests of Israel and disregarding the will of the majority of Israelis.
The Cohens and their supporters are urging for a shift in focus towards securing the release of hostages in Gaza and prioritizing peace agreements over military actions. Their presence near the United Nations General Assembly serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of ongoing conflicts and the importance of diplomatic efforts to resolve them.