A Father’s Call to Action: Urging President Trump to Secure the Release of U.S. Hostages in Gaza

A Father’s Call to Action: Urging President Trump to Secure the Release of U.S. Hostages in Gaza

As the new U.S. administration embarks on its first 100 days, American families, like mine, feel a pressing urgency. For over 560 days, our loved ones have been held captive by Hamas, and with each passing day, hope fades further. My son, Itay Chen, a dual U.S.-Israeli citizen, remains among those imprisoned, alongside four other Americans: Edan Alexander, Omer Neutra, Judy, and Gadi Weinstein. Every moment they are absent brings fresh pain and uncertainty.

Each morning, I open my eyes with anxious anticipation, hoping today might be the day the White House calls with good news about my son’s return. Following President Trump’s election, I felt a renewed sense of optimism. His promises of strong leadership and dedication to the issue of American hostages inspired hope that the situation could soon change. I am grateful for the President’s early demands for the release of all hostages, which contributed to the return of 33 individuals in Gaza, including two U.S. citizens.

While I believe President Trump genuinely cares, I must express concern. The initial days of this new administration have yet to fulfill the urgent promises of releasing U.S. hostages in Gaza. Moreover, we need a definitive stance that asserts the dangerous consequences of taking American lives.

This message is not born of anger but rather a plea from a father with a heavy heart. I recognize that international diplomacy is complex. Negotiating the release of hostages demands discretion and a deep understanding of the involved parties. Nevertheless, as the weeks slip away, a growing fear looms over our families. The opportunity to rescue our loved ones may dwindle, leaving us to dread the possibility of their permanent absence.

The Biden administration has acted boldly in some areas, particularly in economic policy, utilizing tariffs and financial pressure to showcase American resilience. However, it raises an important question: why not adopt similar strategies to secure the release of U.S. hostages? Instead of a proactive approach, families like mine are compelled to take matters into our own hands.

Desperation has driven us to lobby Congress for direct financial sanctions against Hamas. We have pressured banks and financial institutions to freeze assets tied to Hamas and are advocating for stricter enforcement of existing measures. Recently, we even initiated a lawsuit against Bashar Masri, an American businessman accused of facilitating infrastructure that allowed Hamas militants to carry out deadly attacks, resulting in the deaths of 45 Americans. Our messages to the Administration and the Department of Justice emphasize the urgency of these actions.

Clearly, the administration has the ability—and obligation—to do more. Our fellow citizens—children, parents, and siblings—remain trapped by a terrorist organization in unimaginable conditions. The previous administration posited a plan for hostage release through Israel as a middleman. Although this strategy fell short, the current administration continues to pursue a similar path without sufficient results.

It is crucial for the Trump administration to reassess this strategy. As a highly skilled negotiator, President Trump has a proven track record of successfully negotiating the release of Americans from conflict zones through direct dialogue. Therefore, it raises a significant concern: why is he relying on intermediaries such as Qatar for negotiations involving the release of U.S. citizens? In January, we witnessed the positive outcomes of direct involvement. The U.S. holds a legal responsibility to protect its citizens. If traditional routes fail, we must explore alternative paths to secure their return.

With a clear stance, former Trump administration officials communicated that American lives are non-negotiable assets. This administration now has an opportunity to reinforce this principle, leading with strength that embodies the promise of “America First.” It is vital that they demonstrate a commitment to never allowing American citizens to be abandoned.

Despite my concerns, I refuse to succumb to despair. My faith in the strength of America remains unshaken, yet that faith must translate into tangible actions. It’s vital not only for Itay and the other hostages but also for the integrity and values of a nation eager to redefine its standing in the world based on the principles of a true “America First” policy.

What a monumental achievement it would be if, during his upcoming trip to the Middle East, President Trump could return home with the five U.S. hostages from Gaza, delivering them safely back to their families. This is my fervent hope and plea as we all strive to create a future where no American family has to endure this heart-wrenching ordeal.