Washington, D.C. [US], September 30 (ANI): American Jewish activist Billy Menkow of Grassroots American and Israeli Jews said he hoped to see relief for hostages and their families. Menkow stressed that relief, quiet, and peace are essential for both sides to move forward.
“In the next 72 hours, if several pieces of the puzzle fall into place with strong assurances from all parties, then perhaps some relief can begin—for the hostages, for their families, for Israeli families who still have soldiers in battle, and for civilians in Gaza,” he said. “If all of that happens, then there might be some breathing room to contemplate what’s next. Can Trump’s technocratic plan to govern Gaza work? Will Israel refrain from torpedoing the plan? Will Hamas agree to the plan? Can the personalities on each side take baby steps toward trust and shared goals of quiet and peace? Relief, quiet, and peace are necessary so that each side can move forward. There’s plenty of room for skepticism, and there’s plenty of room for hope.”
Menkow also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had worsened the image of Israel and Israelis worldwide.
“At the moment, I will stay away from the two-state issue. There are many here who support it, while others are not quite there. There is no question that Netanyahu and his government have worsened, by a large magnitude, the image of Israel and Israelis worldwide,” he said.
He further told ANI that Netanyahu may now be beginning to understand the plight of Israelis across the globe.
“Many people—Israelis and others around the world—are suffering because of his myopic view and probably his quest to stay in power. There is no doubt that he has caused damage for Jews worldwide, and we are happy that he is getting the message,” he said.
Menkow said their agenda for protest was to end the war and bring the hostages home.
“We’ve been protesting to end the war and to bring the hostages back for just about two years now. Our message today is to end the war now, to bring all of the hostages—those who are still alive and those who have been murdered—so they can receive proper burial in their homeland in Israel, and also to surge aid to Gaza so that civilians there can be nourished and their lives rebuilt. This can bring an end to the madness on both sides of the fence,” he said.
Menkow further told ANI that the current meeting was significant, as U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu were beginning to work on a solution for Gaza.
“And today is special because the President of the United States and the Prime Minister of Israel are hopefully meeting to put the final touches on the beginning of the end. We don’t expect it will end tomorrow,” he said.
He added that he hoped this conflict could eventually be resolved.
“We know these things take time, but apparently these two men have the power—or at least some think they have the power—to bring an end to this. This is one of their many negotiations. So our fingers are crossed. We feel like we have to be active. We’re not necessarily hopeful, but we feel like we have to do something. Today, we do something,” he said.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was received at the White House on Monday, a day after U.S. President Donald Trump declared that “all are on board” for achieving “greatness” in the Middle East.
“We have a real chance for GREATNESS IN THE MIDDLE EAST. ALL ARE ON BOARD FOR SOMETHING SPECIAL, FIRST TIME EVER. WE WILL GET IT DONE!!!” Trump had posted on his social media platform, Truth Social, on Sunday. (ANI)
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