Miri Ben Ami, the mother of Yosef Ochana, who is currently held captive by Hamas, was welcomed to the New York State Assembly on Tuesday by Assembly Member Aron Wieder. Ben Ami, whom Wieder met alongside other family members of hostages at their headquarters in Tel Aviv during his recent trip to Israel, was invited to Albany to share her powerful story as she advocates for her son’s release.
In an emotional address, Ben Ami was recognized on the assembly floor by Wieder and met with more than a dozen assembly members, including Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie. She spoke about her son’s ordeal and the unrelenting hope that drives her fight to bring him and other hostages home.
Wieder, who introduced Ben Ami in the assembly chambers, praised her resilience. “Her strength and courage in the fight for his freedom is inspiring,” he said. “We stand with her and all families waiting for their loved ones. Bring the hostages home now.”
The visit underscores a growing effort to raise awareness about the hostage crisis and amplify the voices of affected families. Ben Ami’s meetings with lawmakers signal a call for solidarity and action as the plight of those held by Hamas remains unresolved.
