Families of Hamas hostages share optimism after meeting with Israeli PM Netanyahu in DC

WASHINGTON (7News) — After walking out of the White House, relatives of U.S. hostages being held by Hamas said an hour-long meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Joe Biden left them with a new feeling of optimism.

They said after asking difficult questions and getting answers, that they could not share, they were filled with the most optimism they have had since the first round of hostage releases last year.

“We did get a commitment from the President and from the Prime Minister that both teams will be working by the hour in the coming days to put out an adjusted proposal to Hamas, and they understood completely and partnered with us around the urgency,” said Jonathan Dekel-Chen, the father of hostage Sagy Chen.

They also said they were well aware of the fiery protests taking place around the District that included the burning of an American flag and monuments being tagged with paint.

READ MORE | At least 23 arrested in DC as thousands protest Israeli PM Netanyahu’s speech to Congress

“People have the right and obligation to speak their mind,” said Dekel-Chen. “We all accept that. Some of it is hurtful because our loved one’s lives are in the balance, and this is not a political science laboratory for us. But as long as the rules of democracy, and as long as one doesn’t go over that line with hate speech and incitement, then that’s what democracy should be.”

The visit by Netanyahu stirred the anger of pro-Palestine demonstrators throughout the week.

The protests led to clean-up efforts on a relatively quiet Thursday.

READ MORE | Crews begin clean-up of Union Station’s Columbus Circle after Netanyahu protests

The families of U.S. hostages said they do not believe the election season and leadership change will set them back now that a change in the White House is now a certainty.

“On the contrary, I actually think it allows the President to be laser-focused on the things that are true priorities to him, and saving human beings, cherished human beings, 115 of them, eight of whom are U.S. citizens, is one paramount issue for him,” said Rachel Goldberg-Polin, mother of hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

“We’ve got a rare moment now where the current President of the United States and anybody who might become President of the United States, both Vice-President Harris and Donald Trump, are all aligned in saying this deal must get done now,” said Jonathan Polin, father of Hersh Goldberg-Polin.