NEW YORK — Danny Danon, Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations, used his time at a General Assembly session on the eve of Yom Kippur to offer a prayer for Israeli hostages held by Hamas and to vow that Israel will bring every captive home, “the easy way or the hard way,” according to a post and video of his remarks. Danon also criticized the General Assembly for devoting itself to declarations and resolutions, he said, which fail to hold Hamas accountable.
In brief remarks delivered in Hebrew and English, Danon recited a traditional prayer asking God to redeem the captives and to return them swiftly to their families so they may sanctify God’s name. He concluded his public message with a forceful pledge that Israel will secure the hostages’ return one way or another and with a traditional Yom Kippur greeting to the Jewish people.
Danon framed his intervention as a response to what he described as the General Assembly’s tendency toward “great shows of theater” and “grand declarations.” He said that speeches and resolutions do not free hostages or stop terror, and that while the assembly debates, he would pray and insist on action to secure the captives’ release. He singled out recent U.N. activity, he said, rewards or fails to condemn Hamas, and he praised efforts by allies who have sought to place pressure on the terror group.
On the eve of Yom Kippur, while most UN ambassadors were discussing declarations and resolutions that reward Hamas, I used my time at the General Assembly to offer a prayer for the release of the hostages.
— Danny Danon 🇮🇱 דני דנון (@dannydanon) October 1, 2025
“Master of the Universe, the One who saves and delivers,
May He redeem,… pic.twitter.com/rF3esy9tl0
The ambassador’s remarks came amid a high-profile week at the United Nations that included debate over a draft Security Council text and walkouts during other speeches. Danon used the occasion to press an urgent humanitarian and security argument. He said Israel would act until every hostage is home and urged the international community to focus on practical measures that will free captives rather than symbolic gestures. U.S. and other government envoys at the meeting reiterated support for efforts to secure hostage releases and for measures that isolate and punish Hamas.
Danon’s prayer and vow drew rapid attention across diplomatic and media circles. Supporters hailed his combining of faith and diplomacy on a sacred day as a powerful reminder of Israel’s priorities. Family members of hostages and advocacy groups welcomed the renewed international spotlight on captive Israelis, saying public pressure and diplomatic focus are critical to any negotiated or operational solution. Critics said strong rhetoric must be matched by careful diplomatic work to preserve humanitarian channels and avoid steps that could further endanger captives.
The scene at the General Assembly underscored how deeply the hostage issue remains central to Israeli public life and foreign policy. Two years after the October 7 attacks, the fate of the remaining captives remains a top national priority for Israel and for families who continue to press for action. Danon’s remarks also reflected a broader Israeli argument that international institutions should prioritize the practical release of hostages and condemnation of terror over procedural or political measures that, in Israel’s view, fail victims.
Observers said the combination of a prayer on Yom Kippur with a clear warning to Hamas is emblematic of how Israeli diplomacy today seeks to blend moral appeal and firm deterrence. Danon’s office confirmed the text of his post and distributed footage of the prayer to allied groups. U.N. officials at the session noted the volatile context and reiterated the need for continued diplomatic engagement on humanitarian access and hostage issues.
This article is based on verified information from Danny Danon’s public post on X, reporting by JNS, coverage by The Times of Israel, posted video and statements from Danon’s office at the United Nations, and related media coverage.