The Excerpt One family, seven hostages, and the end of a two-year nightmare
Oct 11, 2025
A family's harrowing struggle to recover seven hostages from Hamas unfolds, highlighting their relentless fight for media attention and political support. The impact of a temporary ceasefire reveals both hope and lingering trauma among the released, especially children. Meanwhile, the political landscape shakes as mass federal layoffs loom amid a government shutdown, with Trump announcing a steep tariff on Chinese imports. In Tennessee, a devastating explosion leaves 19 workers missing, intensifying concerns about safety practices.
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Family's Two-Year Fight To Free Hostages
- Alana Zaychik in New York has spent two years campaigning to free seven relatives abducted by Hamas on Oct. 7, 2023.
- She used TV, social media, lawmakers, petitions and the U.N. to keep attention on the hostages.
Partial Releases And Remaining Captives
- Five family members were released weeks after capture but two men remained in captivity.
- The two remaining men are among 20 hostages expected to be released under a new ceasefire deal.
Relentless Public Campaign
- Alana has had no contact with the two men still held and has worked nonstop to humanize them.
- She has raised awareness through media appearances, social platforms, meetings with lawmakers, and U.N. petitions.