The grieving families of those abducted and tragically murdered during the recent killing spree in southern Israel embarked on a solemn mission on Sunday morning—a journey to Europe. Their purpose is clear: to demand the safe return of their abducted loved ones. In a united effort, a delegation set off for London today, and another is scheduled to depart for Rome on Tuesday. Additional delegations are being planned, with destinations including Brussels and the United States.

These brave families are determined to share their stories with members of parliament, Jewish communities, influential public figures, and the international media. This vital initiative is orchestrated by the Ministry of Diaspora in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, along with the invaluable support of the Gesher organization.

החל ממחר יצאו בני משפחות הנרצחים והחטופים מהטבח בעוטף עזה לאירופה ולארה״ב למפגשים עם חברי פרלמנט, קהילות יהודיות, מעצבי דעת קהל וכלי תקשורת בינלאומיים, במסגרת פרויקט משלחות שמקיים משרד התפוצות בשיתוף משרד החוץ, מנהלת עמ״י וארגון גשר.

— Ministry of Diaspora Affairs משרד התפוצות (@diaspora_il) October 21, 2023

Among the members of the delegation departing for London this morning is Ayelet Stoitsky from Nirim, whose brother fell victim to this senseless violence, while her mother and another brother were cruelly kidnapped. Alongside her is Ofri Bibas from Nir Oz, whose brother, along with his wife Shiri and their two young children, was also taken captive. David Bar from Kibbutz Alumim, whose sister-in-law Naomi was tragically murdered, is also aboard the flight bound for London.

Ofri Bibas, echoing the sentiments of many other affected families, emphasizes their urgent plea for decisive action to secure the return of the abductees. "For two weeks, we have sought 'support,'" she states. "But now, we demand action. We yearn for information about our family members. We require concrete steps to be taken, and that is why we have agreed to make this journey.”

Amichai Chikli, the Minister of the Diaspora, underscores the critical importance of this mission in shaping global public opinion. "The battle to sway global public opinion is a formidable and intricate one," he acknowledges. "We are dispatching delegations comprised of the families of the abducted and victims to the most influential parliaments worldwide. These missions aim to deliver firsthand testimonies and stories to the highest decision-makers in various countries. This effort seeks to aid the return of the abductees and to garner even stronger support from the international community for Israel's fight against terrorist organizations.”

This post is dedicated to the unseen heroes, the thousands of Zaka (first responder volunteers) who have recovered bodies of victims and have witnessed the most horrific things beyond human comprehension.

Words cannot describe our gratitude.

We pray for them and for their… pic.twitter.com/quu4EJkBLt

— Israel ישראל 🇮🇱 (@Israel) October 22, 2023

Foreign Minister Eli Cohen adds his weighty voice to the matter, stressing, "It is of utmost importance that the world hears directly from the families of the abductees about the unforgivable crimes committed by Hamas. The abductions of civilians, including innocent babies, children, women, and Holocaust survivors, violate every international law and human norm. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs is collaborating with ambassadors and diplomats from countries affected by abductions, calling for the immediate release of the abductees and urging access for the Red Cross to visit them.”