The Weizmann Institute hosted a conversation with Prof. Jonathan Dekel-Chen on January 22. Unlike previous meetings that centered on Weizmann, this one focused on how Weizmann is standing in solidarity with the families of the hostages, assisting them in reaching a wider global audience with a joint cry to bring them home now.
 

Prof. Dekel-Chen is a faculty professor from the History Department of Hebrew University. His son, Sagui Dekel-Chen, was abducted and taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. Sagui, who is 35 years old and the father of three young girls, was part of the first response squad defending the kibbutz in Nir Oz. An American citizen, Prof. Dekel-Chen has been part of delegations for the families of hostages, visiting the White House and meeting with President Joe Biden.  

Prof. David Harel, a faculty member of the Department of Computer Science and Applied Mathematics, and Prof. Rafi Malach from Weizmann’s Department of Neurobiology, also joined the conversation and added their insights about the urgency to bring the hostages home. 

“Each one of us should consider creatively what they individually can do,” said Prof. Malach. “Every act, large or small, can make a difference…The time for action is now.” 

For ways to take action to raise awareness of the hostages, please visit https://media.bringthemhomenow.net/home