Relatives of some of the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza gathered outside the U.N. headquarters in New York. Over 200 pairs of shoes symbolizing each hostage were put on display.
By Anash.org reporter
Photos: Dovber Hechtman/Anash.org
Relatives of some of the hostages being held by Hamas in Gaza gathered outside the U.N. headquarters in New York. Over 200 pairs of shoes symbolizing each hostage were put on display.
Many relatives flew in from Israel to demand action from the international community to release the hostages, and to keep the world’s attention on the plight of the 222 hostages.
The protest came after a disgraceful antisemitic speech by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres who blames Israel for the Simchas Torah massacre which left over 1,400 dead.
“It is important to also recognize the attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum,” Guterres said in a speech. “The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation.”
Israel’s Foreign Minister Eli Cohen cancelled a planned meeting with Guterres in protest of his hateful remarks. Israel has also stopped issuing visas to UN staff.
Israel’s ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan described Guterres’ remarks as “shocking” and called on him to resign immediately.
“The shocking speech by the @UN Secretary-General at the Security Council meeting, while rockets are being fired at all of Israel, proved conclusively, beyond any doubt, that the Secretary-General is completely disconnected from the reality in our region and that he views the massacre committed by Nazi Hamas terrorists in a distorted and immoral manner,” Erdan posted on X.
Discussion
In keeping in line with the Rabbonim's policies for websites, we do not allow comments. However, our Rabbonim have approved of including input on articles of substance (Torah, history, memories etc.)
We appreciate your feedback. If you have any additional information to contribute to this article, it will be added below.