In a powerful display of solidarity, the West Orange Jewish community gathered on Wednesday, May 21 to amplify the increasingly desperate call for hostage Evyatar David’s release. The gathering was part of the community’s participation in the MirYam Institute’s Adopt-a-Hostage program, with support from Congregation AABJ&D, Congregation Ohr Torah, B’nai Shalom, Lubavitch Center of Essex County, Chabad of West Orange and JKHA/RKYHS.

Evyatar’s older brother, Ilay David, shared the family’s harrowing ordeal since Oct. 7, 2023, when Evyatar and his childhood friend, Guy Gilboa-Dalal, were kidnapped from the Nova music festival. After more than 500 days with no sign of life, Hamas published a disturbing video in February showing Evyatar and Guy, emaciated and shorn, pleading for their lives against the backdrop of the staged release of fellow hostage Omer Wenkert. The West Orange event marked the 592nd day of Evyatar and Guy’s captivity, demonstrating the community’s strong commitment to securing their freedom. The atmosphere at the gathering was one of shared resolve and deep concern, reflecting the residents’ firm backing.

Early in 2024, a group of West Orange residents, including Dov Lando, Nili Yolin, Greg Zuckerman and Devory Heinrich, formed a task force, created the dedicated website letevyatargo.com and distributed lawn signs and posters throughout town. The MirYam Institute, co-led by Benjamin Anthony and Rozita Pnini, empowers communities globally to support hostage families. With the credo “Israel’s future in Israel’s hands,” the institute provides Israeli expertise, briefings for elected officials, high-level analysis, Israel-focused presentations, and tours to Israel for U.S. and Canadian military members and emerging leaders. More information can be found at miryaminstitute.org.

“Engaging public officials and those with influence makes a real difference, as seen in Edan Alexander’s release,” explained Lando, referring to the recent liberation of the last living U.S. citizen hostage. Ilay David has tirelessly worked to bring his little brother home, meeting with political leaders including Sens. Jon Ossoff of Georgia and John Fetterman of Pennsylvania.

“Sen. Fetterman was genuinely compassionate,” Lando noted after their meeting. “He dedicated his full attention, showing a deep emotional commitment to Israel, the hostages and particularly to Evyatar.” Both senators have since joined in adopting Evyatar, lending their voices to the cause. Ossoff recently made a plea for his liberation from the Senate floor.

At the event, the audience of over 200 included students from the Rae Kushner Yeshiva High School’s AIPAC Club and college students. All listened closely as Ilay related the story of this ongoing ordeal from its beginning. At 7:42 a.m. on Oct. 7, Evyatar and Guy and their two friends disappeared, taken into Gaza. At 2 p.m. a video of Evyatar and his friends surfaced, showing them handcuffed and beaten, “begging for their lives with their eyes,” as Ilay said. “I exploded with rage, I was mad about everything and the world, and quickly knew we had to do something.”

From released hostage Omer Wenkert, Ilay and his family learned details of Evyatar’s condition. “We knew Evyatar stayed above ground for eight months, being made to run from one apartment to another, feeling out of control, tormented, knowing he could be killed in an instant,” he explained. “On June 24, 2024, he was sent down into the filthy small tunnels, four adult men in the 3’x30’ space.” Ilay described how the hostages are disconnected from life, without daylight, radio or TV. They must organize and discipline themselves, with each having a role to do the best they can, to communicate with captors, maintain minimal sources of hygiene and food, all while sustaining spirituality.

Ilay’s never-ending push has ignited a growing movement; Atlanta has now joined West Orange, uniting to champion Evyatar’s cause. “We need widespread assistance. Please connect us with more people in power and news outlets, and continue campaigning for him on social media,” Ilay urged. On Facebook see, “Let Evyatar Go” and “Bring Them Home Now.” On Instagram @bring_evyatar_home has more than 26,000 followers.

Ilay’s relentless drive has necessitated a flurry of travel across the globe, sharing his story with media outlets and politicians. “We are actively raising funds to finance campaign initiatives and ensure Evyatar receives the necessary care upon getting back home. While we fight for all hostages, focusing on Evyatar allows people to connect with his story on a deeply personal level. It turns a global crisis into a human tragedy, sparking a powerful drive to act,” said Lando.

Thanking the audience, Ilay asked the crowd to “Close our eyes and think about Evyatar and Guy, hopefully together in the dungeon; they lose and gain hope every day. We have the ability to manifest their return and send them hope. I pray for our leaders to have wisdom and strength to make moral choices.”

Echoing the sentiments of all attendees, Yolin emphasized unwavering commitment to stand by Ilay and his family until Evyatar returns home safely. “The West Orange team implores everyone to amplify his story without delay. Contact your elected officials now to demand action for Evyatar’s release and safe return home. Every voice, every action matters in bringing Evyatar home.”

Visit www.letevyatargo.com to learn precisely how to help, including providing financial support.