Echoes of Freedom Raising Our Voices for Hostages

Reflecting on history, it’s essential to acknowledge the Red Cross’s shortcomings during the Holocaust Years. Such reflection demands a critical examination of their current practices, particularly regarding Hamas’s actions. It is perplexing and concerning that the Red Cross has not publicly condemned the exploitation of hospitals and ambulances for harmful activities, nor the disturbing reports of patient murders and ambulance destruction. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), while bound to impartiality, has historically spoken out against International Humanitarian Law violations, including attacks on civilians and medical facilities.

A significant development was the discovery by Israeli troops of a command center, along with weapons and combat gear belonging to Palestinian Hamas militants, inside Gaza’s largest hospital, Al Shifa. Israeli forces identified this facility as the central operation hub for Hamas, with headquarters in tunnels beneath it. The Israeli military corroborated this by releasing a video displaying materials recovered from the hospital compound, including automatic weapons, grenades, ammunition, and flak jackets, findings that were supported by United States intelligence.

In these challenging times, silence is an inadequate response. Meanwhile, the Secretary-General of the United Nations has advocated for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire since Israel commenced operations. This narrative,however, needs reevaluation. A ceasefire should be contingent upon the return of every single hostage. To date, Israel has received approximately 70 hostages. Recent reports have emerged of the youngest hostage, 10-month-old Kfir, captured along with his 4-year-old brother Ariel, and their parents Yarden and Shiri Bibas, by a Palestinian faction in Khan Younis. The prospects for the Bibas family’s release remain uncertain.

The freedom of these hostages must be non-negotiable. The dire situation in Gaza calls for unwavering attention. The Red Cross, often seen as a symbol of relief in crises, is expected to respond proactively, particularly given the chilling details of the atrocities committed on October 7th. However, their response has been markedly lacking in moral engagement. Footage from assailants’ body cameras and victims’ phones, documenting brutal killings, should stir any person with empathy. The October 7th incident was a nightmarish display of cruelty, resulting in the deaths of 1,400 people, including 1,000 civilians. Many were brutally murdered in their homes, victims of unspeakable violence or fire. The scale of human rights violations, including summary executions, sexual assaults on women and girls, and extensive cruelty, is staggering.

One of the most heinous acts occurred at an open-air music festival, marketed as a celebration of “unity and love,” where 260 attendees were subjected to unimaginable savagery, culminating in death. Moreover, over 240 individuals, children included, were forcibly taken to Gaza, with up to 175, including 10 children, still held captive. Disturbingly, the aforementioned Israeli children in Gaza are detained by groups other than Hamas, which claims ignorance of their whereabouts.

These human rights organizations are obscuring the truth, muddling the actual events in Israel with misinformation and disinformation. Consequently, it’s imperative to redirect this narrative. A ceasefire should not continue unless every single hostage is immediately returned. The largest-ever pro-Israel rally, with an estimated 290,000 attendees, was a positive step, but the plight of the hostages requires more focused action. This article is a call to action for those individuals to press the Red Cross for prompt intervention in ensuring the safety and release of the hostages. A mass appeal to the White House could also be influential, given America’s status as a symbol of freedom and hope. A surge of calls and requests can shift the focus from advocating for a ceasefire to securing the liberation of all hostages.

Benjamin Netanyahu, under increasing international pressure, including from the US, for a ceasefire, has undoubtedly been influenced by this growing advocacy. However, our efforts need to be intensified. I urge everyone who attended the pro-Israel rally to join this critical initiative. A flood of calls can lead to rapid action. Please contact the following organizations and share this message across your networks, group chats, and social media platforms:

Immediate action is necessary for the hostages’ release and medical treatment. It’s our collective responsibility to ensure their humane treatment and safety. Your active participation is crucial. Advocate for the immediate release of our family members. Every voice is powerful, and your efforts can significantly influence the situation. Let’s unite to shift this narrative from conflict to hope.

Here are the relevant contact numbers:
– American Red Cross: +1-800-733-2767
– Doctors Without Borders: +1-212-679-6800
– President Biden Comments: +1-202-456-1111
– White House Switchboard: +1-202-456-1414
To ensure effective communication for those contacting the provided numbers, here are concise templates for calling the American Red Cross / Doctors Without Borders and the White House / President Biden’s Office:

**Template for the American Red Cross / Doctors Without Borders**:
“Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I’m calling about the hostage situation in Gaza. I’m deeply concerned for the over 100 individuals held captive, including infants, young adults, and the elderly. I urge your organization to:
1. Quickly deploy a medical team to address the hostages’ health needs.
2. Provide psychological support for their trauma.
3. Work with relevant authorities for their safe and humane treatment, and advocate for their prompt release.
Your immediate action is vital and could save lives. Thank you.”

**Template for the White House / President Biden’s Office**:
“Hello, my name is [Your Name]. I’m calling to express serious concern about the hostage crisis in Gaza. The situation demands urgent humanitarian intervention. I urge the administration to:
1. Act diplomatically to ensure the hostages’ release and safety.
2. Reaffirm the U.S.’s commitment to human rights in this crisis.
Immediate action is crucial for the lives of these hostages. Thank you.”

These templates can be personalized and used to effectively convey the urgency of the situation to the respective organizations.

In the face of such stark realities, we must rise above complacency and indifference. It is not just a matter of international law or humanitarian principles; it is a question of basic human decency. Every moment we delay, every second we remain silent, the chains of captivity tighten, and the light of hope dims for those suffering unimaginable horrors. This is not a distant conflict; it is a human crisis that calls for our immediate, passionate response. ACT NOW!