On November 4, 2024, an Israeli soldier participated in the New York City Marathon, joining around 150 runners to advocate for the return of Israeli hostages taken during the recent conflict with Hamas. Artum Zahavi, a member of the Israel Defense Force, expressed his support for the hostages by shouting, 'Bring them home, friends!' as he crossed the finish line near Columbus Circle.
The event was organized by Bring Them Home Now, a volunteer group focused on raising awareness for the hostages. The marathon group honored five specific hostages who were passionate runners themselves. Family members of one of the hostages, Edan Alexander, played a significant role in organizing the event, distributing flags and signs to rally support.
Participants and supporters emphasized the importance of solidarity for the hostages, highlighting their shared experiences as runners. The atmosphere was charged with emotion as the crowd chanted in Hebrew, reinforcing the message of hope and urgency for the safe return of those still held captive.