Hadassah Welcomes Return of Kidnapped Israeli Citizens and Continues to Press for Release of All Remaining Hostages

NEW YORK, NY – In response to the release of three hostages illegally held by Hamas terrorists, Carol Ann Schwartz, national president of Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, and Ellen Finkelstein, CEO, released the following statement:

“For over a year, we have prayed for the safety and freedom of the men, women and children who were kidnapped on October 7, 2023, and have been held hostage in inhumane conditions ever since. We have wept and grieved every time we learned one of them was murdered by Hamas.

“Today, even as we celebrate the release of Romi Gonen, Emily Damari and Doron Steinbrecher and rejoice with their families, we recognize that they have a challenging physical and mental rehabilitation process ahead. We stand with these brave individuals as they work to heal and reclaim their lives just as we stand with the hostages still enduring captivity and the families who are waiting to be reunited with them.

“Hadassah continues to press for the safe release of all of the remaining hostages and to work with leaders in the US and around the world to hold Hamas accountable for its crimes against humanity.”

About Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America:

Hadassah, The Women’s Zionist Organization of America, is the largest Jewish women’s organization in the United States. With nearly 300,000 members, donors and supporters, Hadassah brings women together to effect change on such critical issues as ensuring Israel’s security, combating antisemitism and promoting women’s health care. Through its Jerusalem-based hospital system, the Hadassah Medical Organization, Hadassah helps support exemplary care for more than 1 million people every year as well as world-renowned medical research. Hadassah’s hospitals serve without regard to race, religion or nationality and in 2005 earned a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for building bridges to peace through medicine. Hadassah also supports two youth villages that set at-risk youth in Israel on the path to a successful future. Visit www.hadassah.org or follow Hadassah on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Threads and X.