WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Meaghan Mobbs, director of Independent Women’s Forum’s Center for American Safety and Security, issued the following statement after three Israeli hostages – Emily Damari, Romi Gonen, and Doron Steinbrecher – safely arrived in Israel after being held hostage by Hamas for over a year: 

“Independent Women celebrates the long-overdue return of three Israeli women hostages who have been reunited with their waiting mothers and families after enduring 15 months of captivity at the hands of Hamas. While we are overjoyed at their release, this tragedy highlights a grim reality: it never had to happen.

“Hamas is a brutal terrorist organization that preys on the innocent, unleashing terror and destruction on Israeli and Palestinian lives alike. These women were ripped from their families and forced to endure unimaginable suffering, a result of choices rooted in barbarity and hate. Terrorism is a choice, and Hamas chose to weaponize human lives in its campaign of violence.

“We are grateful for President-elect Trump’s leadership and his aggressive stance in ensuring progress on this issue. His clear-eyed approach to addressing the grave threat posed by Hamas and other authoritarian actors stands in sharp contrast to the weak leadership and failed policies of the past, which often rewarded or overlooked the heinous behavior of tyrannical states. These past failures have left the world more dangerous for women and girls, who remain disproportionately victimized by such regimes.

“As we celebrate this reunion, we also demand action. All hostages must be released immediately, and the remains of those lost must be returned so that families can grieve and heal as they deserve. The free world must stand united in rejecting the barbarism of hostage-taking and terrorism, holding those who perpetrate it accountable.

“Today’s reunion is a moment of hope, but it is also a call to action. We must never forget the suffering these women endured or the sacrifices their families made while waiting for their return. We honor them by continuing to fight for the rights, safety, and dignity of all women and girls around the world.”

Dr. Qanta Ahmed, an Independent Women senior fellow, physician, human rights observer, and an expert on Islamism, added: “We pray for the strength of all the families and the hostages as they meet this remarkable and painful moment. As a physician, I send special regards to all my Israeli medical colleagues and professionals who are now preparing to receive the infants, women, girls and men, and bring the beginning of the end of their inhuman suffering. I salute your selfless sacrifice. Godspeed to all who are entrusted with this heavy responsibility. As Americans all of us at Independent Women stand united with the State of Israel and are grateful for the Americans representing the will of our nation as they ensure the ceasefire and hostage exchanges begin and continue until all the hostages are returned.” 

LEARN MORE:

  • Independent Women has called attention to the continued silence and hypocrisy of prominent world leaders, feminist organizations, celebrities, and other public figures through the ‘Our Girls’ video and petition campaign. “Why Is There Silence?” and “Where Are The #BringBackOurGirls Voices Now?” videos feature leading voices including Riley Gaines, Tulsi Gabbard, Meghan McCain, and Sage Steele. 
  • In the wake of the horrific genocidal attacks on Israeli civilians by Hamas terrorists on October 7th, 2023, Independent Women issued several letters to the White House and to the United Nations, calling on leaders to speak out unequivocally in condemnation of Hamas’s wilful dehumanization, murder, and abuse of women and girls. 

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