New Yorkers gather to rally for hostages in Gaza
EAST SIDE, Manhattan (WABC) -- On the sixth-month mark of the October 7 attacks in Israel, Long Islanders gathered to rally for the hostages.
Dozens of people walked one and a half miles in Plainview on Sunday to rally for the release of the 134 hostages still held in captivity in Gaza.
On the East Side, across the street from the United Nations, hostage families also demanded the immediate release of their loved ones.
Hamas murdered Hannie Ricardo's daughter.
The last message she sent to the world said in Hebrew, 'Mama, I love you very much.' It was sent the morning of October 7 as gangs of armed terrorists stormed a music festival in Israel, shooting Hannie's youngest daughter in the back as she tried to run into a car to get away.
It has been exactly 184 days since Hamas invaded Israel. Many who gathered Sunday on Manhattan's East Side tell Eyewitness News it will take pressure from all sides to get the hostages released.
"We are at the mercy of people who have to decide if it's a priority for them," said Rachel Goldberg-Polin.
Since her daughter's murder, Ricardo's life has been upside down. She says she had to be there Sunday to lend her support.
"I know my daughter won't come back. She came back in a coffin, but there are lives there - they need to be released," Ricardo adds.
At one point, some in the crowd were very upset - even booing Congressman Jerry Nadler. Along with calling for the hostages to be released, he also reiterated the need to get more humanitarian aid to Palestinians.
"Israel stands for humanity, we also have to make sure a whole population of people aren't starved - that's who we are," Nadler said.
At Yeshiva University, a solemn vigil marked the day with former hostage Luis Har telling his story. He was abducted October 7 and reunited with his family - including with three who were abducted with him and released first.
"After that it took them 76 days being alone, not knowing what's happening, not having any connections, any contacts, any news," said Har's son-in-law, Edan Begerano.
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