Hostage families, their voices filled with anguish and urgency, took the stage at the Democratic National Convention, bringing the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict to the forefront of national attention. As they recounted the heartbreaking realities of having loved ones held captive, the audience was drawn into the gravity of the situation.
Protests at the Israeli Consulate
Protesters gathered in front of the Israeli consulate, shouting and drumming in defiance. Marchers with megaphones chanted anti-Gaza war slogans, echoing sentiments that have been heard across the U.S. since last October.
A Father’s Plea at the DNC
At the Democratic National Convention, Jonathan Dekel-Chen, whose son is held hostage in Gaza, expressed a desire for peace, despite disagreeing with the protesters’ methods. He emphasized that ending the war is crucial for bringing his son and others home.
The Shadow of the Israel-Hamas Conflict
The ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict has weighed heavily on the Democratic Party, with anti-war protests spreading across campuses. Chicago, the site of the convention, was poised for a repeat of the tumultuous 1968 event, but the political landscape has shifted since President Biden stepped aside.
Hostage Families at the Convention
Dekel-Chen, along with other hostage families, attended the convention to raise awareness about the 109 individuals still held by Hamas. They participated in events organized by Jewish groups, urging action from the U.S. government, including a cease-fire and an arms embargo.
Divided Opinions Within the Party
Support for Israel’s military actions in Gaza is low among Democrats, with only 23% backing the incursion, according to a Gallup poll. Yet, apart from a few interruptions, the convention largely avoided controversy, with figures like Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez calling for both a cease-fire and the release of hostages.
A Father’s Confidence in Harris
Jonathan Dekel-Chen recounted the harrowing events of October 7, when his son was taken hostage by Hamas fighters. His son’s last communication was on that fateful morning before being captured and taken to Gaza.
Personal Loss and Hope
Sagui Dekel-Chen’s wife was seven months pregnant when he was taken, and their third daughter was born during his captivity. Despite the circumstances, Jonathan Dekel-Chen remains hopeful, drawing comfort from reports that his son is still alive.
Trust in the Administration
Dekel-Chen has had meetings with members of the Biden administration, including a single meeting with Vice President Harris. He expressed confidence in Harris’s ability to handle the situation, placing his trust in her to secure his son’s release.
Harris’s Role and Party Support
While some critics hoped for a shift in policy under Harris, Dekel-Chen affirmed his belief in her leadership. He noted that Democratic officials he has interacted with have fully supported the efforts to bring the hostages home.
Hostage Families Address the DNC
On the second night of the Democratic National Convention, several hostage family members took the stage, including Ronen and Orna Neutra, whose son Omer spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee.
Among them was Liz Hirsh Naftali, great-aunt of released hostage Abigail Edan, and Andrea Weinstein and Lea Silvert, who mourn the loss of family members Gad Haggai and Judy Weinstein, with Hamas refusing to return their bodies.
A Powerful Plea for Their Children
Jon Polin and Rachel Goldberg-Polin, parents of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, received a standing ovation as they took the stage at the United Center. With the crowd chanting “Bring them home,” Rachel Goldberg-Polin spoke of the unimaginable pain she and other hostage families endure, as delegates were visibly moved.
The Threat of a Wider Conflict
Jonathan Dekel-Chen, another hostage family member, issued a stark warning about the consequences of failing to secure a cease-fire. He cautioned that without immediate action, the U.S. could find itself drawn into a full-scale regional war in the Middle East, with Israel at its center, facing off against Iran and its proxies.
