Hostage families' protest against the American-Israeli organization: Don't give Dermer a platform

120 family members of hostages and soldiers are speaking out against the IAC organization's decision to place Ron Dermer as the main speaker at three events in California in September. The families claim that Dermer was one of the influential voices opposing hostage deals, and that the decision disrespects families who paid a direct price.

120 family members of Israeli hostages and IDF soldiers are speaking out against the decision of the Israeli-American Community (IAC) organization to place Ron Dermer as the main speaker at three of the organization's events to be held in California in September. The group includes about 60 families of hostages and about 60 families of IDF soldiers, including families of fallen soldiers as well as families of soldiers currently serving in the Gaza Strip. Among the signatories of the letter: Jon Polin, father of the late Hersh Goldberg-Polin; Ruby Chen, father of the late Itay Chen; and Ofri Bibas-Levy, sister-in-law of the late Shiri Bibas and aunt of the late Ariel and Kfir Bibas. In the letter, the families express their opposition to the IAC's decision to give Dermer a central platform, claiming that he was one of the most influential voices in Israel's political system in opposing several hostage release deals, as well as efforts to formulate a plan for the "day after" in the Gaza Strip. According to the families, these decisions prolonged the suffering of the hostages and their families, and led to missed opportunities to return hostages who later died or were killed in captivity. It is also claimed that the delay in reaching an agreement may have also cost the lives of soldiers. The letter also addresses Dermer's conduct towards the hostage families, which the signatories describe as "disrespectful, condescending, and lacking in dignity." The families call on the IAC to reconsider its decision.