Madeleine Dean: “Almost a year ago Hamas unleashed a barbaric attack on Israel slaughtering more than 1,200 people and kidnapping more…”

“Almost a year ago Hamas unleashed a barbaric attack on Israel slaughtering more than 1,200 people and kidnapping more than 250 others. The safe return of hostages--children, parents, grandparents--has been my North Star, but we must not forget about Israelis, Americans, and other innocents held hostage. Yet today, we mourn six of those hostages who held out for 328 days. We mourn: Hersh Goldberg-Polin, Israeli American; Eden Yerushalmi; Ori Danino; Alex Lobanov; Carmel Gat; and Almog Sarusi. Since October 7, I have met with many hostage families, including Hersh's mother and father. I have gotten to know them. I have prayed for and with them for a deal to bring their beloved son home alive. It is essential that the United States use every diplomatic tool to finalize a deal to bring the remaining hostages home and end this heartbreaking war. I will continue to fight for a bilateral cease-fire with the release of all remaining hostages, an end to Hamas' reign of inhumanity, and lasting peace for Israel and Palestine. May their memories be a blessing. ____________________”