120 Families of Israeli Hostages and Fallen Soldiers Oppose Ron Dermer Speaking at US Events

A group of 120 family members of Israeli hostages and fallen IDF soldiers have publicly opposed the Israeli-American Community organization's decision to appoint Ron Dermer as the main speaker at three events in California this September. The group includes about 60 relatives of hostages and 60 relatives of fallen soldiers and currently serving troops in the Gaza Strip. Among the signatories are John Polin, father of the late hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin; Rubi Chen, father of the late Itai Chen; and Ofri Bibas-Levi, sister-in-law of the late Shiri Bibas and aunt to Ariel and Kfir Bibas, both also deceased.

The families accuse Dermer of being a key political figure in Israel who opposed several hostage release deals and efforts to formulate a "day after" plan for Gaza. They claim these decisions prolonged the suffering of hostages and their families and led to missed opportunities to recover hostages who were later killed or murdered in captivity. The letter also suggests that delays in reaching agreements may have cost soldiers' lives, some of whom might have been saved with earlier deals.

Additionally, the families describe Dermer's conduct toward hostage families as "disrespectful, condescending, and lacking dignity." They argue that giving him a platform at major community events exacerbates their trauma and grief. The families urge the Israeli-American Community organization to reconsider and withdraw Dermer's role as the main speaker at the upcoming California events.