Former Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger Meets with Families Affected by Israeli Hostage Crisis In a recent roundtable held in Santa Monica, former California Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger met with the families of three Israeli hostages who are currently being held by Hamas in Gaza. The emotional gathering provided a platform for the families to share their personal stories and shed light on the devastating impact of the October 7th Hamas attack. One of the participants, Ella Shani, a 14-year-old girl, narrated the horrifying events of that fateful day. She described how her family was abruptly awakened by the sound of rockets. While Ella, her mother, and her brother survived the attack, her grandparents were shot, her cousin Amit was kidnapped, and she later discovered that her father had tragically lost his life. Ella recounted the heart-wrenching moment when her cousin Amit was last aware of his surroundings before being taken captive by Hamas militants. He witnessed his father’s house being engulfed in flames while his father was still inside. As Amit was forced away, his mother and two sisters were left surrounded by six armed terrorists. Another attendee, Jacob Bohbot, shared the ordeal of his brother Elkana Bohbot, who was kidnapped during the Nova music festival. The families also heard from Bar Rudaeff, the son of Lior Rudaeff, a 61-year-old security team member at a kibbutz who was taken hostage by Hamas. The meeting was organized by local Rabbi Marvin Heir in collaboration with the Museum of Tolerance. Former Gov. Schwarzenegger conveyed his optimism that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict would eventually pave the way for lasting peace in the Middle East. He emphasized the importance of coexistence and collaboration rather than resorting to violence. While many families anxiously await news about their loved ones’ well-being, Ella Shani shared a glimmer of hope. Her cousin Amit Shani, who is only 16 years old, has been successfully released from captivity. Ella expressed her family’s joy, stating that the news of his return two days prior had brought them all a sense of euphoria. However, it’s important to remember that according to the Israeli government, there are still 137 hostages being held by Hamas. The situation remains a grave concern, and efforts to secure their release continue. The meeting with former Gov. Schwarzenegger served as a powerful platform for these affected families to share their stories and shed light on the human toll of the Israeli hostage crisis. It is our hope that through continued dialogue and efforts towards peace, a resolution can be reached, and the remaining hostages can be safely returned to their loved ones.