WJC at UNHRC │Father of Hostage Nimrod Cohen Speaks on Behalf of WJC

During the March session of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Yehuda Cohen, father of hostage Nimrod Cohen, spoke on behalf of the World Jewish Congress urging the international community to bring his son and all 59 hostages home.

Read the full transcript below:

Mr. President,

My name is Yehuda Cohen, and I am the father of Nimrod Cohen, an Israeli soldier who was taken hostage and I am honored to speak on behalf of the World Jewish Congress.

On October 7, 2023, Nimrod was captured while defending the Israeli border and nearby villages from a brutal Hamas terrorist attack. He and his tank crew fought with everything they had, but they were overpowered. The entire team was taken hostage to Gaza—Nimrod was the only one taken alive.

I stand before you at the UN Human Rights Council to urge the international community—especially the negotiating states, Egypt and Qatar—as well as the Israeli government: Secure the ceasefire. Ensure the continuation of the hostage releases.

Mr. President, we must not stop until every hostage is home with their family—until Nimrod is back with us.

We have known all along that there were forces working to obstruct the hostage deal. It took external intervention, primarily from U.S. President Trump, to make it happen. I call on you to remain vigilant and prevent any attempt to sabotage it again.

A ceasefire and a hostage deal are not only the right course of action—they are necessary. For the hostages. For Israel. For the Palestinians. For the future of the entire region.

Help me bring my son home.

Thank you.