April 7, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Bronx, NY  — On Sunday, April 6, Council Member Eric Dinowitz proudly presented City Council Proclamations to organizers of the Riverdale Chapter of ‘Run for Their Lives,’ Ari Vogel and Netta Pack, in honor of their continued leadership and unwavering commitment to advocate for the safe return of Israeli hostages held by Hamas since the October 7, 2023 attacks. 

The Riverdale gatherings are a part of a larger, international Run for Their Lives movement, which began in Israel and has since expanded to cities around the world. The weekly events include walking or running in honor of the hostages, messages of hope, and prayers for their safe return. Council Member Dinowitz was joined by Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz, Rabbi Avi Weiss and Steven Exler of the Hebrew Institute of Riverdale, and local residents, all standing united in support of the hostages and their families. 

Since shortly after the 10/7 attacks, Netta and Ari have organized weekly community gatherings on Sundays in which residents walk from Seton Park on Independence Avenue to Bell Tower Park at W. 239th St. & Riverdale Ave to raise awareness in the public consciousness of the plight of the hostages, both alive and dead, who remain in captivity of Hamas terrorists in Gaza, and to implore our leaders to advocate for their release. Netta and Ari’s consistency, compassion, and resilience have become a source of strength and unity for the Riverdale Jewish community and beyond. This presentation of city proclamations recognizes their incredible efforts, which makes it even more impressive considering they are both in high school.

“I am honored to recognize Ari Vogel and Netta Pack for their dedication to leading these powerful weekly gatherings and reminding our community that the hostages still have not been brought home,” said Council Member Eric Dinowitz. “Netta and Ari’s activism keeps this issue in the public eye, and it’s a profound example of how local action can fuel global awareness and solidarity. As a community, we will continue to show up – week after week – until every hostage is brought home. Ari and Netta have inspired that commitment in all of us.”

“What Ari and Netta have been able to accomplish is nothing short of extraordinary,” said Assembly Member Jeffrey Dinowitz. “Their strength, resilience, and refusal to allow our community to grow numb to the plight of our brothers and sisters still being held in Gaza gives me hope in a time of deep sadness. I am so proud of them, and so grateful for a community that continues to show up and say: bring them home.”

“Ari and I started organizing these gatherings because we couldn’t sit back and do the bare minimum while innocent adults and children were still being held hostage,” said Netta Pack. “Each week we’re reminded how much our community cares, and that even as young people, our voices matter and can make a difference. We are so grateful for the support of our neighbors and elected leaders, and we will not stop showing up until every hostage is where they belong with their families and loved ones.”

“Every week, we gather to make sure the world does not forget the innocent lives still in captivity,” said Ari Vogel. “These walks are about remembrance, resilience, and a shared belief that our voices can make a powerful difference. Thank you to Council Member Dinowitz and Assembly Member Dinowitz for standing with us.”

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