Defying UN political theater, Ambassador Danny Danon turned his Gaza speech into a Yom Kippur prayer for Israel’s captive hostages.
The United Nations General Assembly met Wednesday to revisit Algeria’s draft resolution on Gaza, previously vetoed by the United States in the Security Council. While many delegates indulged in the familiar rhetoric of empty condemnations, Israel’s voice rose above the din with rare clarity and conviction.
Israeli Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, rejected the political posturing on display, declaring firmly: “Speeches do not free hostages and words do not stop terror.”
On the eve of Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, Danon transformed his address into a prayer for the captives still held by Hamas terrorists in Gaza. “Some of you today will ignore the roadmap on the table, and spend time on empty gestures. So instead of wasting time I will do something that matters. While you perform, I will pray.”
He continued with solemn determination: “Our Father, our King—Release the captives. We will bring the hostages back, the easy way or the hard way, but they will return home.”
From the UNGA podium, Danon then recited a traditional Jewish prayer for the redemption of captives, invoking God’s mercy to swiftly deliver them from “cruel and harsh enemies” and restore them to their families and to their land.
His words, echoing the cries of the Jewish people worldwide on Yom Kippur, reminded the international community that Israel’s fight is not about politics, but about life, faith, and unbreakable duty to its people.
Danon’s prayer at the UN was more than symbolism—it was a defiant declaration: Israel will never rest until every hostage is brought home.
