In a bid to help bring their loved ones home and shed light on the events of Oct. 7, a second delegation of families directly affected by abductions and murders is heading to Rome.

They will meet top state officials, senior lawmakers, and prominent members of the Jewish community as they look to secure the release of those held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

Currently, four Israelis who also hold Italian citizenship, are in Hamas captivity, while five others have been killed by the organization’s terrorists.

““We will leave no stone unturned to exert international pressure to release the hostages and allow the IDF and the State of Israel to receive broad international support in the war against Hamas,” said Diaspora Affairs Minister Amichai Chikli, whose department is backing the initiative in cooperation with the Foreign Ministry, the Gesher Organization, and the AMI Directorate.

It follows a first delegation’s advocacy trip to London, where family members actively participated in a support rally for Israel at Trafalgar Square, attended by over 15,000 people.

People call on the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas militants in Gaza, outside the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv. October 17, 2023. (credit: YOSSI ZAMIR/FLASH90)
People call on the release of Israelis held hostage by Hamas militants in Gaza, outside the Ministry of Defense in Tel Aviv. October 17, 2023. (credit: YOSSI ZAMIR/FLASH90)

Group will meet with Italian Prime Minister, others

During their stay in London, they also engaged with major British media outlets and held meetings with lawmakers.
The Italian delegation is set to engage with the highest political echelon in Italy, including Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport Matteo Salvini, and Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto.
Additionally, they will meet with the presidents of the Italian Parliament and Senate. The families will also join an event organized by the Jewish community of Rome, led by the community president, Victor Padalon.
The delegation’s purpose extends beyond diplomatic discussions; it is also dedicated to raising awareness and providing an accurate account of the tragic events that unfolded in Israel on October 7. Members of the delegation have Italian origins and will grant interviews to major Italian news outlets in their native language.
“Our ultimate goal is to bring our children back home and save their lives. By spreading the truth and explaining to the world that our innocent children and citizens are being held against their will, I hope international pressure will assist us in the immediate return of our children whole and healthy,” said Ilan Regev, the father of Maya, who is held captive in Gaza.
Adar Ayalon, the sister of Shira, who was one of 260 massacred by Hamas at a music rave in Re’im, expressed her commitment to her sister’s memory, saying,  “I promised my sister at her funeral that I would do everything in my power to make the whole world know what she went through. The fact that an innocent woman was murdered in the forest, and countries around the world protest against us, is unbearable.”