Israeli soldier Artum Zahavi, 40, joined the New York City Marathon on Sunday as part of a group supporting the return of Israeli hostages taken by Hamas.
Zahavi was one of 150 runners organized by the volunteer group Bring Them Home Now, which has been rallying for the safe return of those kidnapped in the October 2023 attacks on Israel.
Though Zahavi, as an active IDF member, could not speak directly to the media, he shared his sentiment with a cheering crowd near the finish line at Columbus Circle.
“It’s a crazy marathon. It’s all crazy,” he said, before shouting, “Bring them home, friends!” in a powerful call to action that resonated with the supporters around him. The crowd took up his words, chanting “Bring them home!” in Hebrew, creating a moving scene of solidarity.
* The New York Post contributed to this article.
