Greensboro's ‘Run for Their Lives' march supports release of Israeli hostages
GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP) — People advocating for the release of Israeli hostages still held by Hamas gathered this afternoon in Greensboro near the Friendly Center as part of a worldwide effort called Run for Their Lives.
For many, it was important to march a week after the Run for Their Lives march in Boulder, Colorado, was firebombed with Molotov cocktails.
Among the dozens who gathered in Greensboro, the mission was clear: bring the 55 hostages home, of whom half remain alive.
'We felt that it was really important that we show solidarity with the hostages who have been languishing, held in captivity by Hamas terrorists,' said Rabbi Andy Koren of Temple Emanuel Greensboro.
Koren says the Greensboro march on Friendly Avenue is like a patch in a quilt, every march worldwide making the call for release stronger, larger, more supportive.
'The message is intended for their families in Israel, our extended families in Israel,' he added.
Rabbi Koren bore a number on his chest: 611. Sunday marked 611 days since Hamas attacked Israel. Every step was filled with a range of emotions, from unity to determination.
'This is not a time to shy away or disappear, this is a time to be proud, to be seen, and to stand up for the innocent hostages taken from their homes,' said Glenda Bernhardt, CEO of the Greensboro Jewish Federation.
The silent walk was 18 minutes long because in Jewish culture, 18 is meaningful. 'It is our number of life,' said Koren.
Many marchers took the opportunity to reflect on the perils of the war, including Steven Greenstein, a dual Israeli American citizen.
'It's time for the war to end, it's time for hostages to come home,' said Greenstein.
Greenstein, among other marchers, vows to keep advocating for the hostages until the day all are home.
'We've been walking now for over two years in extreme heat, in rain, in thunderstorms, in wind, and none of these elements even compare to what the hostages eare nduring at the moment,' said Greenstein.
The group gathered to contribute their part of the patchwork quilt, a video message to post online.
'Bring them home, and stand with Boulder, Colorado,' they said in part on camera.
A sea of signs, faces of those held captive, and both Israeli, and American flags waving…a testament to a shared goal, for the war to end.
'We're just grateful for those who stand together with us also, we are not asking for people to be hateful, we are asking for people to be supportive, and they really were,' said Koren.
According to the UN, about 55,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war, as well as 1,200 Israelis since October 2023.
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