Thousands Call for Release of Hostages in Israel-Hamas War at New York City March
Author: Genesis BH Digital Team
Featured | News
Date: June 3, 2024
On June 2, 2024, New York City bore witness to a powerful demonstration as thousands marched to call for the release of hostages in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. The event, a poignant addition to the 60th Annual Israel Day Parade, saw Fifth Avenue transformed into a sea of voices united in their demand for peace and justice.
The march was marked by the presence of Harvey Lippman, a prominent Genesis Business Humanity Club member who served as the Grand Marshal. Lippman’s involvement highlighted the deep support from the Genesis community, with numerous members, including Genesis Co-Founder and Managing Director Ranny Yarom, Bruce Galloway, Bruce Glasser, and Andrea Bartzen participating in the event.
Lippman, a well-known advocate for humanitarian causes, expressed his hope for a swift resolution to the hostage crisis. “We march today not just for the hostages but for a future where such atrocities cease to exist,” he declared, echoing the sentiments of many in attendance.
The march was a vivid testament to the solidarity felt by communities worldwide in response to the crisis. The atmosphere was charged with a mix of solemn determination and hopeful resolve. Signs and banners bearing messages of support and calls for freedom for the hostages were prominently displayed, serving as visible symbols of the collective yearning for peace.
Genesis Business Humanity Club members played a significant role in organizing and participating in the march. Andrea Bartzen, another notable member, shared her reflections on the event. “Today’s march is a reminder of our shared humanity and the urgent need for compassion and action in the face of suffering,” Bartzen remarked.
The Israel-Hamas conflict has tragically escalated, with numerous civilians caught in the crossfire. The march in New York City was a poignant reminder of the personal toll of such conflicts, with families of hostages among the marchers, their faces reflecting both hope and heartache.
As the march progressed, speeches from various leaders and advocates emphasized the need for international intervention and diplomatic efforts to secure the release of the hostages. The resounding message was clear: the world must not turn a blind eye to the suffering of innocents.
The event garnered significant media attention, amplifying the voices of those demanding justice and the safe return of the hostages. Coverage from major news outlets, including CBS News and AP News, brought the march’s message to a global audience, furthering the impact of this powerful demonstration. In the wake of the March, there is a renewed call for sustained efforts to address the humanitarian crisis. The Genesis community, known for its dedication to social causes, continues to mobilize resources and support initiatives aimed at peacebuilding and conflict resolution.
As the world watches, the voices of those who marched in New York City on June 2 remain a powerful testament to the enduring human spirit and the unyielding demand for justice and peace. The hope is that their cries will not go unheard and that a swift resolution to the crisis will be achieved.
At the heart of this year’s Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation’s One-Year Memorial Gala, Solange Pot, a celebrated writer and Holocaust educator, will unveil beautiful handcrafted Legacy Boxes—a tribute to resilience, memory, and interfaith understanding. Flying in from Belgium for the November 21 event in Miami, Solange will present the largest of these exquisite pieces for auction and another four to the Megera children, honoring their loss and the enduring strength of their family.
The Genesis Friends for Life Global Foundation is deeply honored to welcome the Megera family as special guests at the highly anticipated “Love Always Wins” One-Year Memorial Gala. The event will be held on November 21, 2024, at the Temple House in Miami, marking a year since the tragic attacks of October 7, 2023.
Over the past 13 months, aid for those affected by the devastating October 7th attacks has poured into Israel in a variety of shapes and forms. Physical support, such as resources and donations, has been generously provided to alleviate the distress brought about by the gruesome assault. At the same time, millions around the world have contributed emotional support by keeping those afflicted in their thoughts, prayers, and blessings.