NEW YORK — Calls to bring Israeli hostages home grew louder in New York City on Sunday.
The father of Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander, who grew up in New Jersey, spoke at a rally in Central Park.
While calling for a deal, he said he wants his son to stay strong.
What a Hamas propaganda video shows
It has been more than 400 days since the start of the war – more than 400 days that families have not seen their loved ones taken by Hamas.
That includes 20-year-old Alexander from Tenafly, New Jersey, a swimmer, Knicks fan and Boy Scout who joined the Israeli army after high school.
“I stand here after seeing my son alive for the first time in over a year,” Adi Alexander said.
CBS News New York
A Hamas propaganda videowhich was released Saturday, features Edan Alexander, who was most likely told what to say in the footage. His father said it gave him a glimmer of hope, but only revived his family’s pleas to bring him home.
“On the other hand, it was very emotional and disturbing, but we are happy to get this sign of life. He looked good, a little pale, but he looked good to me,” said Adi Alexander.
There is talk of a ceasefire, hostage agreements are increasing
Edan Alexander’s mother, Yael Alexander, spoke Saturday at what is known as “Hostage Square” in Tel Aviv, saying in Hebrew that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told her family that “conditions are ripe” for a hostage situation.
“I will speak to the families of all American hostages this week, including Edan’s family,” White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said.
Sullivan spoke on CBS’ Face the nation on the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza.
“I think Hamas is feeling the pressure,” Sullivan said. “They may again look at the possibility of reaching a ceasefire and hostage agreement, and we are actively working with all key players in the region, including Israel and Turkey, Qatar and Egypt, to try to achieve that to achieve.”
December also marks the beginning of the Hebrew month of Kislev, known as the month of miracles because of Hanukkah, making things even more difficult for these families.
“Listen, we don’t do any vacations for the past year. It’s very hard,” Adi Alexander said.
His message for his son is: “Stay strong, survive and we will come after you.”
And his message to world leaders is that strength means nothing if it is not accompanied by action.
