At a Rosh Hashanah reception in New York, Israeli Consul General Ofir Akunis called out Hamas and Qatar for holding 48 hostages and declared that Israel will never apologize for defending its people against barbaric terror.
Speaking at a Rosh Hashanah reception in New York City on Monday night, Ambassador Ofir Akunis, Israel’s Consul General in New York, delivered a clear and uncompromising message: Hamas and Qatar bear full responsibility for the 48 hostages still held in Gaza — and must be pressed relentlessly until every one of them is freed.
“Qatar and Hamas are responsible for the safety of our hostages. We must continue pressing both of them to release everyone — and now,” Akunis declared.
He turned his attention to the chorus of critics attacking Israel’s war on Hamas, reminding them of the unimaginable horrors of October 7:
- Families burned alive.
- Women raped in their homes.
- 251 civilians kidnapped into Gaza.
“World leaders who criticize Israel must ask themselves what they would do if a terrorist organization invaded their territory,” Akunis said. “I am certain their response would be even more aggressive than Israel’s. That is why we will never apologize for defending the State of Israel — and with it, the entire Jewish people.”
The ambassador emphasized that a strong Israel equals strong Jewish communities worldwide, a sentiment welcomed by the Jewish leaders, foreign diplomats, and New York officials present.
The reception, hosted in cooperation with major Jewish organizations in New York, was attended by representatives of several countries, along with members of the New York City Council and New York State Assembly — underscoring broad solidarity with Israel as the Jewish New Year approaches.
