In Plainview, pleas to end 'unspeakable reality' for female Hamas hostages

A 19-year-old soldier and talented violinist. A 28-year-old fashion stylist with a growing following on social media. A 28-year-old with a passion for astronomy.

These are some of the Israeli female hostages still missing since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack and believed to be held captive in Gaza.

A group of supporters gathered on Sunday at the Mid-Island JCC in Plainview for a solemn ceremony that focused on the plight of the captives while also honoring them in recognition of International Women's Day.

“These are women taken from their homes, from their bases or from a dance party while just going about their normal lives — young women with hopes and dreams and a thirst for life,” said Rachel Cronin, of Melville, who helped lead the ceremony. “They have been enduring an unspeakable reality for five months.”

Every Sunday, supporters of all the hostages gather at Country Pointe Plainview to make the 1½-mile walk to the JCC as part of a global effort called “Run for their Lives.” One of those held captive, 22-year-old Omer Neutra, is from Plainview. He went to Israel, where his parents were born and raised, to join the army several years ago.

Sunday’s ceremony focused on the female hostages and came after Friday's International Women's Day. The Plainview event drew about 100 people to the JCC, including Assemb. Jake Blumencranz (R-Oyster Bay), Assemb. Charles Lavine (D-Glen Cove) and Nassau County Legis. Mazi Melesa Pilip (R-Great Neck).

Many people who attended complained there has not been enough public attention on those still held by Hamas.

“The hostages are the number one priority and we have to bring them home regardless of everything else,” said Claudia Floman, of Syosset, as she waited with others for the JCC ceremony to begin.

The Oct. 7 surprise attack on southern Israel by Hamas militants resulted in the deaths of about 1,200 people and the taking of 250 hostages. Israel responded with an air and ground offensive that destroyed large swaths of Gaza, displaced more than three-quarters of the 2.3 million population, and so far has killed more than 30,000, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.

The resulting humanitarian crisis has led to hundreds of thousands of Palestinians without food, and shelter and with limited medical care. On Sunday, a U.S. Army vessel was on its way to the Mediterranean with equipment to help construct a temporary pier in Gaza, making it easier to deliver aid by sea.

Israeli restrictions and security issues have limited the number of aid trucks to Gaza.

Outside the JCC in Plainview on Sunday, attendees studied photos of hostages attached to a wall. One side of the wall highlighted 13 female hostages. Many in attendance held signs listing hostages' names and wrapped themselves in both the American and Israeli flags. The group sang the Israeli national anthem, "Hatikvah,"  before turning to walk back to Country Pointe.

“It doesn’t really matter who you believe is at fault, the fact is they’re people who are being held against their will and they need to be sent home,” said Rick Lewis, of Plainview.

With Steve Langford and AP

By Lisa L. Colangelo

lisa.colangelo@newsday.com@lisalcolangelo

Lisa joined Newsday as a staff writer in 2019. She previously worked at amNewYork, the New York Daily News and the Asbury Park Press covering politics, government and general assignment.