Run For Their Lives await Hostage Release and Peace
Tracy Lehr
SANTA BARBARA, Calif. – Members of the grassroots organization “Run For Their Lives” meet every Sunday at Shoreline Park to call for the release of hostages held by Hamas.
On Mother’s Day, they received news that Edan Alexander would be released as part of the latest ceasefire talks.
Alexander, an Israeli-American soldier from New Jersey, was captured at his base during the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which ignited the war. He is the last known American hostage still being held, along with others, inside Gaza.
It remains unclear how many of the hostages are still alive.
With that in mind, “Run For Their Lives” created their weekly video message to send to mothers, fathers, and families in Israel on Sunday afternoon.
On day 583 of their campaign, the group read the names of 59 hostages and shared a sermon written by Rabbi Debi Lewis, delivered Friday at the Santa Ynez Valley Jewish Community’s Shabbat service.
They then carried their banner on an 18-minute run or walk in solidarity — a number symbolizing good luck in Jewish tradition.
Itzik Ben-Sasson, Executive Director of the Community Shul of Montecito and Santa Barbara, said the group is demanding that Alexander and the remaining hostages be released immediately.
“We hope and demand that all the other 58 hostages will be released as well. This is the time for everything to be done and over with,” said Ben-Sasson. “We want them back home and for this war to be over.”
The group is participating in a global initiative that invites people of all faiths and backgrounds who want peace to get involved.
For more information visit https://run4lives.org