Wednesday's Headliners Newsmaker features families of American hostages held by Hamas

The families of seven American hostages held by Hamas will speak at a National Press Club Headliners Newsmaker event at 10 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18.

As the one-year anniversary of the attack on Israel approaches, the families will emphasize their ongoing pursuit of a resolution that ensures the safe return of all hostages. They will will address the urgent need for international pressure on Hamas, designated as a terrorist group by the U.S. T

The group, which broke an existing ceasefire on Oct. 7 and killed 1,200 Israelis while taking more than 200 hostages, brutally executed six of the last month before issuing new demands to negotiators seeking an end to the fighting in Gaza. The families of these Americans will reflect on the past year, sharing the challenges they've faced and their tireless efforts to bring their loved ones home.

The speakers include: 

Adi Alexander is the father of Edan Alexander, a 20-year-old American member of the Israeli Defense Forces who was stationed near Gaza on Oct. 7. He and his wife, Yael, live in Tenafly, NJ with their two other children, Mika and Roy Alexander. 

Jonathan Dekel-Chen  is the father of Sagui Dekel-Chen, 35, a husband and father of three. Jonathan is a professor at Hebrew University of Jerusalem, where his research focuses on modern Jewish history, transnational philanthropy and advocacy, non-state diplomacy, agrarian history, and migration.

Ruby Chen is the father of Itay Chen, a 19 year-old American member of the IDF who was serving on the border of Gaza on Oct, 7. On March 12, it was revealed that Itay was killed on Oct, 7 and that his body remains in Gaza. Ruby was born in New York and is a managing director at consulting firm RIA Advisors Israel.  

Ronen Neutra is the father of Omer Neutra, a 22 year-old American member of the IDF who was in a tank defending the Gaza border on Oct. 7. He and his wife, Orna, live in Long Island, NY, where they own a scientific equipment company.

Aviva Siegel is a released hostage and wife of American hostage Keith Siegel. Aviva was released from Hamas captivity in late November, and continues to advocate for Keith’s release, journeying between Israel and the US sharing her experiences in captivity.  

Iris Liniado is the daughter of murdered American hostages Judy Weinstein and Gad Haggai. Judy and Gad were killed by Hamas while on a morning walk on Oct. 7, and their bodies are being held hostage in Gaza. Iris currently lives in Singapore with her husband and three children.

This Headliners event is open to credentialed media and Club members only. Registration is required.

To submit a question for the speaker, please email [email protected] and put FAMILIES in the subject line. The deadline for submitting questions in advance is 8 a.m. on the day of the event.\