At event for US envoy, ex-captive and hostage’s family plead for Trump’s help to free captives

Former hostage Omer Shem Tov, his parents, and the parents of hostage Guy Gilboa-Dalal speak on stage during an international welcoming event for US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee at the Friends of Zion Museum in Jerusalem.

“Thank you, Ambassador Huckabee, and thank you, President Trump. I am here today…because of you. And today, I am the happiest man alive,” says Omer, who was released during the temporary ceasefire-hostage deal in February.

“We have to bring my brothers and sisters home as soon as possible,” he continues, referring to the 59 hostages remaining in Gaza, adding that “I believe and I know you can bring them home. So please do everything you can.”

Guy’s father, Ilan Dalal, tells Huckabee that “As a representative of the strongest country in the world, you and President Trump have an important role in achieving an agreement for the release of the hostages. You have the power to influence the parties to reach an agreement and to urge the mediators to work harder…My son’s life is in your hands.”

“You can leverage the great power of the USA and the significant influence of President Trump, the strongest man in the world right now, to free the hostages,” he says.

Huckabee responds that “We heard tonight from the hostage families, whose hearts are broken and who broke our hearts with their stories…I want Guy home. I pray that before another fortnight happens, Guy is home. We all pray for the return of every hostage.”