Rallies took place across the globe this past weekend, marking the brutal milestone of 100 days since the Hamas terrorist attack in Israel. In Beverly Hills, a crowd estimated at more than 2,000 gathered at Beverly Gardens Park on Jan. 14, to demand the release of the 132 hostages still held captive by Hamas. Organized by the group Bring Them Home Now U.S., and supported by a coalition of local organizations, the event included impassioned speeches by several hostage family members. Additional speakers included Roz Rothstein, founder and CEO of StandWithUS, Rick Hirschhaut, Director of the American Jewish Committee L.A. and Iranian human rights actress and activist Lily Moo. State Sen. Ben Allen and Beverly Hills Mayor Dr. Julian Gold also addressed the crowd. Attendees waved Israeli and American flags, flew yellow balloons, and chanted “Bring them home now,” to passing cars. At one point, the crowd unfurled a 100-foot-long Israeli flag.
Photo by Orly Halevy
“It was a great showing of all the organizations, and everyone worked together,” Noa Zahavi, co-founder of Bring Them Home Now U.S. told the Courier.
She especially lauded the strong showing of support from Beverly Hills. “It’s a beautiful community. People are calling and asking how they can help. They are donating their time, their homes, others donate money,” said Zahavi. She added, “After 103 days, all the families are demanding a deal for the release of their loved ones now.”
