On October 7, 2023, my family’s life changed forever when my dear sister Karina Engelbert, her husband Ronen, and their two beloved daughters Mika (aged 18), and Yuval (aged 11), were kidnapped by Hamas and dragged into Gaza. Their third child Tom was not with them on that day; Tom is 20 years old and has been left to face this tragedy of epic proportions. 

My sister Karina is a breast cancer survivor, having just recently finished her last round of chemotherapy. She is on a cocktail of medications required for her to stay alive. Since the day she was kidnapped over one month ago, we have received no word on whether she is receiving these medications - or indeed, whether she is receiving any care at all. 

I urge the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) as well as the Israeli branch of the Red Cross, to honor its policy statements by ensuring that Karina gets “the basic health care that meets universally recognized standards” (which in Karina’s case, means life-sustaining oncological medication). I further urge you to compel Hamas to provide information about our family as required under international law. Naturally, all families of hostages held in Gaza must receive this same treatment. 

While it is critical for my sister to have her medical needs met, it goes without saying that the release of our family from the hands of Hamas is the ultimate goal - along with all of the hostages. 

I urge you to remember, as you fulfill the mission of the Red Cross, that Karina and Ronen’s son Tom is waiting for them at home. His world - as has ours - has collapsed and we look to you to help us retrieve it. Every second, every minute, is an eternity for us.