Hollywood stars, writers, directors and executives sent an open letter thanking President Joe Biden for his work helping secure the release of hostages captured in Hamas’ attack on Israel. The letter was shared on NoHostageLeftBehind.com, with the campaign using the hashtag #NoHostageLeftBehind.
“We are encouraged by Friday’s release of two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan, as well as today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity,” the group wrote in Monday’s statement published joint letter.
A wide range of stars have signed on, including Adam Sandler, Amy Schumer, Billy Crystal, Bradley Cooper, Chris Rock, Constance Wu, Courteney Cox, David Oyelowo, Eugene Levy, Ewan McGregor, Gal Gadot, Gwyneth Paltrow, Harvey Keitel and Jack Black, James Corden, Jason Segel, Jeff Goldblum, Jon Hamm, Jordan Peele, Madonna, Martin Short, Paul Rudd, Rosie O’Donnell, Seth Meyers, Sharon Stone, Taika Waititi, Tyler Perry and Will Ferrell.
Other non-incumbent signees include Aaron Sorkin, Amy Pascal, Amy Sherman Palladino, Andy Cohen, Barry Diller, Barry Levinson, Brian Grazer, David Geffen, David Goodman, Eli Roth, Greg Berlanti, Jason Blum, Jason Reitman, Judd Apatow and Matthew Weiner , Shawn Levy and Zack Snyder.
While praising Biden for his efforts, the letter also urged the release of the other prisoners.
“However, our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain held captive by terrorists and are at risk of torture and death,” the letter said. “They were captured by Hamas in the horrific October 7 massacre in which over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered – women raped, families burned alive and infants beheaded.”
The group ended the message by praising Biden’s work and calling for change.
“Thank you for your unwavering moral conviction, leadership and support for the Jewish people who have been terrorized by Hamas since its founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians who are also terrorized, oppressed and harassed by Hamas. “The group has ruled Gaza for 17 years,” they continued. “We all want the same thing: freedom for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace. Freedom from the brutal violence of Hamas. And what is most urgent at this moment is the freedom of the hostages.”
Judith and Natalie Raanan, American citizens from Illinois, were visiting family in Nahal Oz on October 7 when Hamas terrorists attacked Israeli neighborhoods. They are both now back in Israel, the Israeli armed forces said.
The two women were met at Israel’s Gaza border and then transported to a military base in central Israel, where family members were waiting for them, the Israeli prime minister’s office said.
According to US authorities, an estimated 200 hostages are being held by Hamas in Gaza and at least 20 Americans remain missing.
President Joe Biden posted on X confirming the release of the two hostages taken by Hamas “during the horrific terrorist attack against Israel.”
“Our fellow citizens have endured a terrible ordeal over the last 14 days,” Biden continued. “I am overjoyed that they will soon be reunited with their family.”
Read the full “No Hostages Left Behind” letter below:
Dear President Biden,
We are encouraged by Friday’s release of two American hostages, Judith Ranaan and her daughter Natalie Ranaan, and today’s release of two Israelis, Nurit Cooper and Yocheved Lifshitz, whose husbands remain in captivity.
However, our relief is tempered by our overwhelming concern that 220 innocent people, including 30 children, remain held captive by terrorists and are at risk of torture and death. They were captured by Hamas in the horrific October 7 massacre in which over 1,400 Israelis were slaughtered – women raped, families burned alive and infants beheaded.
Thank you for your unwavering moral conviction, leadership and support for the Jewish people who have been terrorized by Hamas since its founding over 35 years ago, and for the Palestinians who have also been terrorized, oppressed and harassed by Hamas since January 17 The group has ruled the Gaza Strip for years.
We all want the same thing: the freedom for Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in peace. Freedom from the brutal violence of Hamas. And what is most urgent at this moment is the freedom of the hostages.
We urge everyone not to rest until all hostages are released. No hostage must be left behind. Whether American, Argentinian, Australian, Azerbaijani, Brazilian, British, Canadian, Chilean, Chinese, Danish, Dutch, Eritrean, Filipino, French, German, Indian, Israeli, Italian, Kazakh, Mexican, Panamanian, Paraguayan, Peruvian, Polish, Portuguese Whether Romanian, Russian, South African, Spanish, Sri Lankan, Thai, Ukrainian, Uzbek or others, we must bring them home.
You can read the full list of signatories here.
Source : www.thewrap.com