NEW YORK — A father with ties to our area is pleading for the safe return of his son, who was last seen in Israel.
CBS New York interviewed him and several other New York City residents who are making efforts to assist Israelis abroad.
Jonathan Dekel-Chen assured, “You have our unwavering support. The whole nation is united in its efforts to bring you back home. We deeply care for you, just like your wife, daughters, and the soon-to-be-born one. Take whatever measures necessary to come back to us.”
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It was a heartbreaking message from a former Park Slope, Brooklyn resident to his son. He said 35-year-old Sagui Dekel-Chen has been missing since the war in Israel began on Saturday morning.
According to Jonathan Dekel-Chen, a professor at Hebrew University, his son, who holds dual Israeli-American citizenship, had previously resided in Connecticut. Dekel-Chen mentioned that the State Department has been in contact regarding this matter.
According to Jonathan Dekel-Chen, Sagui has a stunning wife who is currently seven months pregnant. They also have two adorable little girls, aged 3 and 6. On Saturday morning, around 6 am, Sagui was one of the first individuals to wake up, and he immediately caused the alarms to go off.
READ MORE: Jewish, Palestinian communities stepping up security amid warfare between Israel and Hamas
Sagui’s family managed to survive in their bomb shelter at kibbutz Nir Oz, according to him. However, he suspects that he was taken against his will.
He added that he and many others are committed to doing everything they can to ensure the safe return of captives or, at the very least, obtain some form of communication from Hamas regarding their well-being and current status, on behalf of those who are unable to fight.
Israeli-Americans in New York City are demonstrating their support for him and fellow individuals.
Ben Simon Tov stated that although the past few days have been notably gloomy, their presence is intended to illuminate the situation.
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On Friday, Tov, a skilled baker affectionately known as “Bengigi” from Breads Bakery, will be busy crafting heart-shaped challah breads. These special loaves of challah hold a profound meaning as a symbol of unity, serving as a beautiful expression of solidarity and support for those affected by recent events.
All the earnings will be contributed to Magen David Adom, the national emergency medical and blood services organization in Israel.
Fundraising dinners are also being held with full proceeds over the weekend. For more information, please click here.
- In:
- Brooklyn
- Park Slope
- Hamas
- Israel
