Speaking at the Jerusalem Conference in New York City on Sunday, National Unity Party Chairman Benny Gantz delivered an impassioned plea for solidarity — both in battling Israel’s enemies and in deepening the connection between Israel and Jews around the world.
He opened by acknowledging the support of New York City and its mayor, Eric Adams, particularly in light of the Celebrate Israel Parade that had taken place earlier that day. “The fact that Israel is marching all over this place is very meaningful. So thank you, Mayor Adams, and thank you to the people of New York.”
Gantz centered his remarks on the Israeli hostages who remain in Hamas captivity. “Today marks 590 days. 590 days since the most murderous day in Jewish history after the Holocaust…58 of our brothers and sisters are still held captive in the hands of the monsters of Hamas.”
He commended the release of American-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, giving full credit for the rescue to the U.S. president and his envoy. “His freedom was made possible only through the efforts of President Trump and his special envoy, Steve Witkoff.” Yet Gantz was adamant that more must be done: “We cannot and must not stop there… Bring them home now.”
Touching on the broader military campaign, Gantz emphasized that the struggle against Hamas is not nearing its end and may persist far longer. “Our fight with Hamas is far from being over. It will endure for years… whether it takes a year, five years, or even a decade. This is a long campaign requiring determination and time — time that the hostages simply do not have.”
He stressed that all ongoing military activity must remain focused on one overriding objective. “The ongoing expansion of military effort in Gaza is important, but it must unwaveringly serve the war’s objectives, and first and foremost, among them, bringing the hostages back home.”
Switching focus to diplomacy and broader regional dynamics, Gantz noted that the horrors of October 7 have also created a new strategic opportunity. “October 7th marked a tragedy we will not forget. But it also triggered a regional transformation we cannot miss.”
He pointed to President Trump’s renewed diplomatic engagement as a potentially pivotal moment to build on the Abraham Accords, describing them as “a regional game-changer, especially against the fundamentalist Iran regime and its axis.” Gantz voiced clear support for Trump’s proposal to relocate Gazan civilians. “The State of Israel and the nations willing to receive Gazan civilians must act to promote this plan… No more hesitation.”
Gantz also directed his attention to the global Jewish community, underscoring a renewed opportunity for connection born out of the crisis. “October 7th also highlighted another opportunity — the chance to strengthen Israel’s relation with the Jewish diaspora.” He praised the worldwide Jewish response to the war, from volunteers joining the Israeli army to major financial contributions.
“Israel must designate strengthening the bonds with the diaspora as a national objective,” he said, addressing Jews worldwide with a promise: “Israel will remain committed to strengthening the ties between our people and our land.”
“These are historic times,” Gantz concluded. “To overcome them, we must stand together — not in uniformity, but in unity.”
{Matzav.com}