San Antonio Standard

Washington, D.C. - The Co-Chairs of the bipartisan Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus, Representatives Tony Gonzales, Debbie Wasserman Shultz, Mario Díaz-Balart, and Adriano Espaillat, have issued a statement after meeting with the families and friends of hostages who are still being held captive by Hamas.

The caucus members expressed their shock and dismay at the stories they heard from the families and friends of the hostages. They were appalled by the mistreatment suffered by the hostages who are being held in Gaza by Hamas terrorists. These hostages, many of whom are dual citizens from Argentina, Colombia, and other Latin American countries, have been enduring a traumatic ordeal.

"As Members of Congress, we stand in bipartisan and unwavering solidarity with the hostages and call for their immediate release," said the caucus members in their statement. They emphasized the urgency of the situation, especially in the context of rising antisemitism, hate crimes, terrorism, and sexual violence against women globally. With over a hundred hostages still held in Gaza, the need to combat these evils is paramount.

During the meeting, the caucus members had the opportunity to hear from the families and friends of the hostages, gaining firsthand insight into their experiences. The families and friends shared the names of the remaining hostages who were the focus of the meeting:

- Omri Miran, an Israeli-Hungarian dual citizen

- Elkana Bohbot, an Israeli-Colombian dual citizen

- Tal Shoham, an Israeli-Austrian dual citizen

- Alexander (Sasha) Troponov, an Israeli-Russian dual citizen

- Sagui Dekel-Chen, an Israeli-American dual citizen

- Eitan Horan and Yair Horan, Israeli Argentinian dual citizens

The Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus leaders expressed their commitment to continue working towards the return and reunification of the hostages with their families. They vowed to maintain their collective efforts in addressing this critical issue.

The meeting with the families and friends of the hostages held by Hamas serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by those affected by terrorism. The Congressional Latino-Jewish Caucus is determined to advocate for the release of these hostages and to combat the atrocities committed by terrorist organizations.

Click this link to access more information: https://gonzales.house.gov/2023/12/congressional-latino-jewish-caucus-leaders-meet-with-families-of-remaining-hostages-held-by-hamas/a442d736-908c-48d8-98d4-1b7aa316fd59