By: Meyer Wolfsheim

The Israeli-American cousin of six hostages taken by Hamas, Alana Zeitchik, expressed relief over the death of Yahya Sinwar, the mastermind behind the brutal Oct. 7 massacre in Israel.

Zeitchik’s comments reflect growing frustration among families of the hostages who feel abandoned by their own government. The NY Post reported on Zeitchik’s passionate plea for action during a rally in Central Park.

“For over a year, we have been abandoned by a government that has prioritized military goals and political power over making a deal to save the men, women, and children who are tortured and rotting in the dark, damp tunnels under Gaza,” Zeitchik stated at the event, which was attended by around 100 people. The NY Post noted that this rally took place during the Sukkot holiday and was aimed at showing support for Israel amidst the ongoing conflict.

Zeitchik’s pain is personal. Three of her cousins and their young children were taken hostage by Hamas last year, including twin girls aged 3 and a 5-year-old girl. Although the children and one parent were released in a brief ceasefire deal last winter, her cousins David and Ariel Cunio remain in Hamas captivity. Their fate is uncertain, and Zeitchik fears the worst.

The killing of Sinwar, which occurred during a routine patrol in Rafah on Wednesday, may have brought some sense of justice, but Zeitchik cautioned that this is not the time for celebration. She urged people to focus on ending the violence and securing the safe return of all hostages held by Hamas. The NY Post emphasized Zeitchik’s call for action, as she criticized the Israeli government’s military focus, which she believes has come at the expense of saving lives.

“Hostages who could have been saved were executed in captivity, sacrificed for the sake of a never-ending military campaign that has caused too much suffering,” Zeitchik lamented. She described the ongoing war in Gaza as something that has left Israeli society “shattered” and noted that the entire region continues to suffer because of the conflict. Her words, as reported by The NY Post, highlight the emotional toll this war has taken on both Israelis and their families abroad.

Zeitchik stressed that the real victory will come not through military successes but through diplomacy and the safe return of every remaining hostage. “The only thing that will set us free from this never-ending nightmare is the safe return of every remaining hostage,” she said. “Every single one of them is the only thing worth celebrating.” She urged the Israeli government to act courageously and hold leadership accountable for saving lives through negotiations and diplomacy, rather than relying solely on military tactics.

Dana Cwaigrach, one of the organizers of Sunday’s event, agreed with Zeitchik’s sentiment. While Cwaigrach acknowledged that eliminating Sinwar is good news for Israel, she emphasized that it does not mark a full victory. “This is good news that this horrible terrorist, the person in charge of this mass murder, is no longer living,” she said. But she echoed Zeitchik’s message that Israel cannot celebrate until all hostages are brought home safely.

As The NY Post reported, Cwaigrach reiterated that a true victory for Israel and the Jewish people will only be realized when the 101 hostages still held by Hamas are freed. “Until they are all home, this is not a victory, and we cannot celebrate,” she concluded.