Niagara Leader

New York State Senate Minority Leader Rob Ortt joined faith leaders and elected officials in Buffalo to call for the release of four American hostages held in Gaza. The event, part of the Bring Them Home Tour, was held at the Statler Buffalo and included several prominent figures such as Bring Them Home Tour Founder Morris Oiring, New York State Senator George Borrello, Rabbi Mendy Labkowski, Pastor Doug Reed, Erie County Legislators Frank Todaro and Chris Greene, and Erie County Republican Committee Chairman Michael Kracker.

“Today I joined faith leaders, elected officials, and members of the Jewish community to call for the release of the hostages being held by the terrorist organization Hamas,” said Senator Rob Ortt. “For nearly a year, these innocent civilians, some of whom are American citizens, have been subjected to captivity in horrible conditions by evil individuals. We must do everything in our power to bring them home and ensure that they can be reunited with their families.”

Morris Oiring led officials and community members in tying yellow ribbons around trees in Niagara Square as a symbolic gesture to honor the American hostages. This act marked the first anniversary of an attack on Israel on October 7. The yellow ribbons were donated by Mr. Oiring and his collective as a community service.

“Today, we stand united in Buffalo to send a clear message: we have not forgotten the American hostages. These yellow ribbons symbolize our unwavering hope and demand for their safe return. It’s a non-political, human issue—one that transcends borders and brings us all together,” said Morris Oiring.