Families of Israeli Hostages Protest IAC's Choice of Ron Dermer as Main Speaker

Around 120 family members of Israeli hostages and IDF soldiers have publicly opposed the Israeli-American Community (IAC) organization's decision to appoint Ron Dermer as the main spokesperson for three upcoming events in California this September. The group includes approximately 60 relatives of hostages and 60 relatives of fallen and active IDF soldiers, including families of those serving in the Gaza Strip. Signatories include John Polin, father of the late 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.

In their letter, the families criticize Dermer for being a key figure in Israeli political circles opposing several hostage release deals and efforts to formulate a "day after" plan for Gaza. They argue these decisions prolonged the suffering of hostages and their families and resulted in missed opportunities to rescue hostages who were later killed or murdered in captivity. The letter further claims that delays in reaching agreements may have cost soldiers' lives, some of whom might have been saved had deals been reached sooner.

The families also condemn Dermer's conduct toward hostage families as "disrespectful, condescending, and lacking dignity." They state that giving him a platform at major IAC events exacerbates their trauma and grief. The letter calls on the IAC to reconsider its decision to feature Dermer prominently and protests the public platform given to someone they hold significantly responsible for delays in hostage release and failures related to post-war planning.