Rabbi Heshy Blumstein of Yismach Moshe Synagogue in Woodmere was joined by Nassau County Executive Bruce blakeman, former State Assembly Dov Hikind, and sisters Rinat har Sheleg and Natali har Afgan to demand the release of Israeli citizens held hostage in Gaza by the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas. The groups also expressed a call to action against antisemitism worldwide.
In a press conference held at the synagogue early Monday morning, the names of five Israelis currently held hostage were displayed on posters — Mia Leimberg, Gabriela Leimberg, Luis har Norberto, and Clara Marman. Luis har Norberto is the father of Rinat and Natali, both of whom have children of their own.
“It’s hard to believe that people from the human race could do the things they did,” Hikind, who is also the founder of Americans Against Antisemitism, said of Hamas. “Whatever you have read and whatever you’ve seen, of what the Israeli government has released, I know it’s much worse.”
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman is the first Jewish individual to hold that office, and staunchly expressed his support for Israel and willingness to use county resources to help in any way possible.
“This is not a war against Islam, this is a war against evil,” Blakeman said. “These are now unarmed individuals in captivity. If this was a normal situation and a war between sovereign nations, there are certain rules — the Geneva rules — that require you to take care of your captives. We expect the same treatment for those who are kidnapped, or there will be a war tribunal and those who commit further atrocities will be severely punished. We stand with Israel. We stand with the hostages. They must be returned.”
Rabbi Blumstein addressed the young people of the group, giving them a clear call to action.
“You are the future of our people,” Blumstein said. “We count on you to be our voices when we are no longer there. Learn to be confident, learn to be educated, and most them all, learn not to fear, but to be able to express your feelings. The Jewish people will live forever.”
Both har Sheleg and har Afgan expressed hope that their father is still alive — but demanded his release immediately.
“My father is everything to me,” har Skeleg said. “I’m a single mom and he helps me with everything.”
“Abba, we miss you, and we want you to come home now,” har Afgan added.
Asked if it was safe for the two women to return to Israel, Hikind discussed the need to fight antisemitism worldwide — not only in Israel.
“Is it safe in America?” Hikind countered. “The Jewish Telegraphic Agency says that Jews are removing their mezuzahs from their homes. Forget about wearing a yarmulke or a Star of David around your neck. This is happening here in America. Jews are not running from the bad guys anymore. We are working with people to train young Jews, older Jews, and those who want to get a weapon legally. We need to learn how to defend ourselves, plain and simple.”
