NJ Israel Commission Marks Two Years since the October 7 Massacre; Call for the Immediate Release of all the Hostages

Trenton - This week marks two years since October 7th, 2023, when the Israeli festival of Simhat Torah was interrupted by a terrorist attack perpetrated by Hamas. The perpetrators murdered over 1200 innocent people, and kidnapped over 250. Among the thousands of victims killed, kidnapped, and brutalized that day were women, children, and the elderly, and included Edan Alexander of Tenafly (released in May 2025). Hamas continues to hold nearly 48 hostages in Gaza, including the remains of two murdered Americans.

"On the second anniversary since the unprecedented terrorist invasion of Israel, another holiday season is marred by the ongoing hostage crisis and ensuing war in Gaza, "said Karin Elkis, Co-Chair of the NJ Israel Commission. "The entire world has seen the brutal and inhumane conditions in which the hostages are kept. We insist on their immediate, unconditional release, so that the fighting can end and the rebuilding process can begin."

"Students of history know that the Israeli people have never and will never leave behind one of their own," said Mark Levenson, Co-Chair of the NJ Israel Commission. "Every day that Hamas continues to hide kidnapped hostages in their terror tunnels, is a day that worry, suffering, and conflict will endure in the region. Every single hostage must be returned to their families, without delay!"

During their captivity, hostages (who hail from several countries) have been held in unknown locations throughout Gaza and prohibited from communicating with their families, the Israeli government, or any foreign observers. According to the independently verified testimony of released hostages and autopsies of recovered remains, hostages are regularly subjected to physical abuse, psychological torture, malnutrition, isolation, and sexual assault. Food, humanitarian aid, and medicine are deliberately withheld from the hostages.

About the New Jersey Israel Commission:
The New Jersey-Israel Commission, which operates within the New Jersey Department of State, was established in 1989 to promote the development of trade, culture and educational exchanges; encourage the development of capital investment and joint business ventures; and foster a spirit of cooperation between the citizens of the State of Israel and the State of New Jersey. New Jersey-Israel trade in goods accounted for approximately $1.7 billion annually, and thousands of jobs for New Jersey residents.

Media inquiries: Josh Berliner at the NJ Israel Commission [email protected]